Living in Strasbourg: the ultimate expat guide

Strasbourg's economy thrives on its status as a European institutional hub. Beyond politics, the city has developed strong sectors in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and digital innovation. The Eurometropole of Strasbourg employs over 250,000 workers across diverse industries.

Key Employment Sectors

The European institutions represent the largest employer category, including the European Parliament, Council of Europe, and European Court of Human Rights. These organizations regularly recruit translators, lawyers, administrators, and policy experts. The pharmaceutical sector anchors the private economy, with companies like Lilly France and numerous biotech startups clustered around the city. The University of Strasbourg and associated research centers employ thousands in academia and scientific research. Tech companies increasingly choose Strasbourg for its skilled workforce and lower operating costs than Paris.

Work Permits and Visas

EU citizens can work freely in Strasbourg. Non-EU nationals typically need a Talent Residence Permit (formerly Passeport Talent), valid for up to 4 years. Qualified employees must earn at least €39,582 annually. The EU Blue Card requires a minimum salary of €59,373 and a higher education qualification. France exempts Talent Permit holders from French language requirements for the visa itself.

The table below summarizes key employment indicators for the Strasbourg area.

Sources: INSEE, EURES

Strasbourg has been a center of learning since the 16th century. Today, the University of Strasbourg ranks among France's top institutions and has produced four Nobel Prize winners. The city welcomes over 60,000 students, including a significant international population.

University of Strasbourg

The University of Strasbourg (Unistra) offers programs across all disciplines, from law and medicine to engineering and humanities. Most courses are taught in French, though some master's programs offer English instruction. Tuition fees for public universities in France remain remarkably affordable: €170 per year for bachelor's degrees and €243 per year for master's degrees for EU students. Non-EU students may pay €2,770 to €3,770 unless covered by scholarship agreements. The university provides on-campus housing ranging from €556 to €900 per month for studio apartments.

Other Institutions

Several specialized schools complement the main university. EM Strasbourg Business School offers internationally accredited MBA and management programs. INSA Strasbourg trains engineers in architecture and various technical fields. The National School of Administration (ENA), which trained French presidents, was based here until its transformation into INSP in 2021. Students benefit from subsidized meals at CROUS university restaurants (around €3.30 per meal) and access to extensive library networks.

Sources: University of Strasbourg, Campus France

Families moving to Strasbourg will find excellent schooling options, from French public schools to international programs. The city's position near Germany creates unique bilingual opportunities not found elsewhere in France.

Public School International Sections

The Académie de Strasbourg operates international sections within public schools at no additional cost. These sections offer instruction in German, British English, American English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian. Students attend regular French classes while receiving 6 hours weekly in their chosen language at primary level. In secondary school, literature and history-geography are taught in the international language. Entry requires passing an oral language test. Schools offering these programs include École Vauban (German and British sections) and Collège International de l'Esplanade.

Private International Schools

The International School Strasbourg (ISS) provides English-French bilingual education from ages 3 to 18. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and is authorized to offer the IB Diploma. Annual tuition ranges from €10,300 to €16,250 depending on grade level. Class sizes remain small, typically 15-20 students. The school sits in the Neudorf district, accessible by tram. For German-speaking families, several schools across the border in Kehl, Germany offer alternatives just minutes away.

Sources: Académie de Strasbourg, International School Strasbourg

Strasbourg offers diverse housing options across its neighborhoods, from historic apartments in the center to modern developments in outlying areas. Rents remain significantly lower than Paris, making comfortable accommodation accessible for most budgets.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

The Orangerie district attracts diplomats and European institution employees. Located near the European Parliament, it features elegant apartments, the beautiful Parc de l'Orangerie, and upscale amenities. Expect higher rents here. Petite France and the Grande Île (historic center) offer charming half-timbered buildings but limited availability and premium prices. Neudorf, south of the center, provides a good balance of affordability, local character, and family-friendly streets. Cronenbourg and Hautepierre offer the most budget-friendly options with good tram connections.

Rental Prices and Process

Furnished apartments average €744 per month while unfurnished units run around €711. For specific sizes, expect to pay €600-850 for a one-bedroom in the center and €450-600 outside. A three-bedroom apartment typically costs €1,000-1,400 in central areas. Landlords usually require proof of income (three times the rent), a French guarantor or guarantee service like Visale, and a security deposit equal to one month's rent. Many expats use agencies or platforms like SeLoger, Leboncoin, or PAP to find housing.

Sources: Numbeo, SeLoger

Strasbourg punches above its weight in cultural offerings. From world-class museums to outdoor adventures in the nearby Vosges mountains, residents enjoy a rich variety of activities throughout the year.

Museums and Cultural Sites

The Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame) dominates the skyline with its 142-meter spire and intricate Gothic façade. Inside, the astronomical clock draws crowds for its daily 12:30 show. The Palais Rohan houses three museums under one roof: the Fine Arts Museum, Archaeological Museum, and Decorative Arts Museum. The Alsatian Museum occupies three traditional houses and showcases regional folk culture. For modern art, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCS) features works from 1870 to the present. Most museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

Parks and Outdoor Life

The Parc de l'Orangerie, Strasbourg's oldest park, spreads across 26 hectares near the European institutions. Families enjoy its zoo, mini-golf, and rowboat rentals. The Jardin des Deux Rives spans both sides of the Rhine, connecting France and Germany via a striking pedestrian bridge. For hiking and skiing, the Vosges mountains lie just 45 minutes away.

Nightlife and Entertainment

The Krutenau district buzzes with student-friendly bars and live music venues. Place Kléber and the cathedral quarter offer more upscale dining and wine bars. The Opéra National du Rhin presents world-class performances, while the Zénith arena hosts major concerts. During summer, the Strasbourg Music Festival brings classical performances to historic venues across the city.

Sources: Visit Strasbourg, Strasbourg Museums

Strasbourg consistently ranks as one of France's most livable cities. Compact and well-organized, it allows residents to handle daily tasks efficiently while enjoying a relaxed pace compared to larger metropolises.

Public Transportation

The Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS) operates France's largest tram network with 6 tram lines covering 65 kilometers. The system also includes 30 bus routes and 3 night lines. Tram line D even crosses into Kehl, Germany. A single ticket costs €1.90 via app or card (€2.50 on board). Monthly passes cost €48.40 for adults over 25 and €24.20 for those under 25, with income-based discounts available through the Eurometropole solidarity pricing scheme. Children under 18 living in the Eurometropole travel free. The Vélhop bike-sharing system offers another popular option, with 800 kilometers of cycling paths making Strasbourg France's most bike-friendly city.

Lifestyle and Culture

Daily life here blends French and German influences. Shops typically close on Sundays, though the historic center sees activity. Supermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan, Lidl, and Aldi serve all neighborhoods. The Christmas Market (Christkindelsmarik), running since 1570, transforms the city each December. Alsatian cuisine features hearty dishes like choucroute (sauerkraut with meats), flammekueche (Alsatian pizza), and local Riesling wines. The pace feels calmer than Paris, with lunch breaks still respected and café terraces filled year-round.

Sources: CTS Strasbourg, Visit Strasbourg

Strasbourg offers excellent value compared to other major European cities. While not the cheapest city in France, it provides quality infrastructure, services, and lifestyle at reasonable prices. The tables below help estimate monthly expenses.

Budget for a Single Person

A single professional can live comfortably on €1,500-2,000 per month excluding rent. Students manage on less by using university housing and canteens. The main variable is accommodation, which can range from shared flats at €400 to solo apartments at €700+.

Budget for a Family of Four

Families should budget €3,500-5,000 per month depending on housing choices and school fees. Public schooling is free, while international schools add significant costs.

Sources: Numbeo, CTS