Nancy Among Top Cheapest Cities to Study In

A study by international money transferring service Remitly has revealed that Nancy, in eastern France, is one of the most affordable locations for students to live and study in.

Known for its elegant architecture, cultural riches and friendly atmosphere, Nancy has just earned another accolade. Reasearch by Remitly – an American online remittance service based in Seattle – places this dynamic city in eastern France among the top 10 most affordable places for students. For young people seeking a high-quality French university experience without breaking the bank, Nancy is proving to be a savvy choice. 

The analysis looked at various factors that determine the cost and affordability of a student location, from tuition fees and visa costs to average rent and cost of living and grouped them all together in an index. Nancy, the only French city in the list, came 9th while Baku, Azerbaijan, Halle, Germany and Thessaloniki, Greece ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

A city of learning and lifestyle 

Home to nearly 47,000 students and 6,000 academics, Nancy boasts a strong academic reputation. Over 8,500 foreign students attend universities in Nancy each year and the city’s student population makes up a significant portion of its 100,000 inhabitants (1 in 6 !), giving it a youthful, cosmopolitan energy. 

It hosts several higher education institutions, including the Université de Lorraine, one of France’s largest public universities, as well as specialised schools in engineering, arts, and business.  

Sought after for the density of its training courses, which cover all fields of knowledge, and for its transdisciplinary approach, the University of Lorraine is acclaimed for its engineering schools, which appear each year at the top of the national specialized rankings.  

Innovative university projects 

To bring together science, art, and management, three leading Nancy schools (Ecoles des Mines, École Nationale Supérieure d’Art et de Design (ENSAD), and ICN Business School) have combined their programs as part of ARTEM, a unique project in France. 

On a new 85,000m² campus, this alliance of cultures is a practical and innovative response to the major developments and questions raised in the 21st century. 

Affordable student life 

What draws students to Nancy is not only its academic offer but also its welcoming atmosphere and manageable size. The compact city centre is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Public transport is affordable, with a monthly student pass costing between 22€ and 29€/month (for comparison, it costs approximately 32€/month in Paris). For those who enjoy the café culture and nightlife, there is plenty to discover — at prices that are refreshingly gentle on a student budget. 

The cost of accommodation is one of the biggest concerns for students, and Nancy performs particularly well in this category. According to the study, average monthly rent for a student in Nancy is significantly lower than in major French cities, with furnished studios often available for under €450 a month — sometimes much less when opting for student residences or shared flats. 

Yet, lower costs do not mean compromising on quality of life. Nancy offers an enviable living environment. The city is famed for its UNESCO-listed Place Stanislas, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Its elegant 18th-century architecture, leafy parks, and riverside setting provide a beautiful backdrop to daily life. Cultural life thrives, with a lively arts scene, festivals, concerts, and cinema — many events are free or discounted for students. 

There are many student-oriented events taking place year-round such as Les Nocturnes étudiantes de Fédélor and Les 24H de Stan, a play on le Mans’ famous race where students have to race around a square in made up chariots.  

As rising living costs make student life increasingly challenging across Europe, Nancy stands out for showing that it is still possible to enjoy an enriching university experience in France without excessive financial strain. Affordable, beautiful, and student-friendly, Nancy may just be the best-kept secret on the French student map.