The cost of living in Toulouse relative to income can be understood using the Urban Stress Index (USI). In Toulouse, housing absorbs about 21.8% of a typical monthly income, while essential food costs account for roughly 11.0%. After rent and food, a typical earner retains around 67.2% of income for other living expenses, savings, and discretionary spending.
| Item | Monthly | % of Income |
|---|---|---|
| Income | 3,551 | — |
| Rent (1BR) | 775 | 21.8% |
| Essential Food | 390 | 11.0% |
| Remaining | 2,386 | 67.2% |
The Urban Stress Index (USI) measures the share of a typical monthly income dispensed as essential housing and food costs for a single person with a local full time job. It combines two core components:
USI is defined as:
USI = Housing burden + Essential food share
All values are expressed as percentages of monthly income in local currency. The index is designed to provide a comparable indicator of cost-of-living pressure across cities, focusing on baseline expenses.
Food costs in Toulouse remain moderate, accounting for around 10–11% of income, similar to Lyon. Everyday expenses therefore play a limited role in financial stress.
Housing affordability is relatively strong. Rent levels are lower than in major cities such as Paris, while income levels remain stable, resulting in a favourable rent-to-income ratio.
Consequently, Toulouse exhibits a relatively comfortable cost structure compared to other major French cities.
Income figures are based on nationally reported typical or median monthly earnings. Rental data reflects prevailing market rates for one-bedroom apartments within the metropolitan area.
Food costs are derived from standardized essential grocery basket estimates designed to represent a lifestyle of occasional dining-out in the local area.
All data are compiled from publicly available national statistics agencies, rental market listings, and aggregated consumer price datasets.
For a full explanation of data construction and assumptions, please refer to the main Methodology and Sources pages.