City Profile
Cannes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
France · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Cannes, situated on the French Riviera in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, is globally renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, Mediterranean coastline, and the prestigious annual Cannes Film Festival. Historically a modest fishing village, the city transformed into an elite resort town during the 19th century when British and European aristocrats built winter residences along the coast. Today, it balances its glamorous international reputation with a vibrant local community, scenic palm-lined boulevards, and historic quarters like Le Suquet. People are continually drawn to Cannes for its exquisite climate, cultural prominence, and high standard of coastal living.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) is a region in southeastern France known for its diverse landscapes, from the Mediterranean coastline of the French Riviera to the Southern Alps. The economy is heavily driven by tourism, but also boasts strong sectors in technology, such as microelectronics and biotechnology, as well as aerospace, marine technology, cosmetics, and the food industry. Living in PACA generally offers a desirable lifestyle with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, and a relaxed pace of life. However, the cost of living is higher than the French national average, particularly along the coast, with average monthly costs for a single person around $2,138 including rent.
How this 49/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 78 / 100 | 78.0 | 30% | 23.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 105.0 | 37.5 | 25% | 9.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $42,500 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 8.5% | 14.7 | 20% | 2.9 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.4% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 42.5 | 15% | 6.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 10% | 7.2 |
| Overall score | 49.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
17 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Cannes is notably higher than the French national average, driven largely by high demand for real estate along the Mediterranean and luxury tourism. Housing costs, whether renting or buying properties near the Croisette, command premium prices due to limited geographic space and intense international interest. Everyday expenses such as dining out, groceries, and services also reflect the upscale nature of the resort city, though everyday essentials remain manageable outside the immediate tourist zones.
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Cannes's economy is heavily anchored by tourism, hospitality, large-scale international events, and congresses hosted at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Beyond tourism, the surrounding region supports a growing tech and innovation sector, particularly tied to the Sophia Antipolis technology park located just inland. While seasonal fluctuations affect hospitality employment, professional services, maritime industries, and event management provide year-round economic stability.
The average salary in Cannes is $44,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Cannes is convenient via its pedestrian-friendly center, extensive municipal bus network, and the Gare de Cannes railway station providing regional connections along the coast. While walking and cycling are popular for traversing the downtown area, driving can be challenging during peak summer months and major festival periods due to heavy traffic and limited parking. The nearby Nice Côte d'Azur Airport offers comprehensive international flight connections just a short drive or train ride away.
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