2026 comparison
Aix-les-Bains vs Chambéry: 2026 comparison
Chambéry has more inhabitants than Aix-les-Bains: 61,493 versus 32,944, or 87% more. Chambéry is both larger (21.0 km² versus 12.6 km²) and more densely populated (2,930 inhabitants per km² versus 2,610).
The median apartment price is higher in Aix-les-Bains: €4,234 per m² versus €2,966. The median standard of living is higher in Aix-les-Bains (€27,690 a year versus €24,800).
The two cities are 12 km apart as the crow flies, in the same department and the same urban unit (Chambéry).
© Florian Pépellin, CC BY-SA 3.0
Aix-les-Bains
City in Savoie
- Population
- 32,944 inhab.
- 257th in France · 2nd in its department
- Area
- 12.6 km²
- Density
- 2,610 per km²
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© Florian Pépellin, CC BY-SA 3.0
Chambéry
City in Savoie
- Population
- 61,493 inhab.
- 96th in France · 1st in its department
- Area
- 21.0 km²
- Density
- 2,930 per km²
Population
Population and demographics
Municipal population since 1876
Aix-les-BainsChambéry
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population inhab.More populous: Chambéry+87% | 32,944 | 61,493 | More populous: Chambéry+87% |
| Change over 5 yearsStronger growth: Aix-les-Bains+6.1 pts | +8.0% | +1.9% | Stronger growth: Aix-les-Bains+6.1 pts |
| Change over 10 yearsStronger growth: Aix-les-Bains+7.3 pts | +9.6% | +2.2% | Stronger growth: Aix-les-Bains+7.3 pts |
| Density per km²Denser: Chambéry+12% | 2,610 | 2,930 | Denser: Chambéry+12% |
| Under 15More young people: Chambéry+4.0 pts | 12.8% | 16.8% | More young people: Chambéry+4.0 pts |
| 65 and overMore seniors: Aix-les-Bains+8.3 pts | 27.8% | 19.5% | More seniors: Aix-les-Bains+8.3 pts |
| People per householdLarger households: Chambéry+0.14 | 1.83 | 1.97 | Larger households: Chambéry+0.14 |
Sources: INSEE, official population figures, INSEE, censuses, INSEE, census
Housing
Real estate prices and housing
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median apartment price €/m²More expensive: Aix-les-Bains+43% | 4,234 | 2,966 | More expensive: Aix-les-Bains+43% |
| Median house price €/m²More expensive: Aix-les-Bains+17% | 4,618 | 3,957 | More expensive: Aix-les-Bains+17% |
| Apartment rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Chambéry+9% | 14.8 | 16.1 | More expensive: Chambéry+9% |
| House rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Aix-les-Bains+27% | 16.3 | 12.8 | More expensive: Aix-les-Bains+27% |
| Homeowner householdsMore homeowners: Aix-les-Bains+11 pts | 50.9% | 39.7% | More homeowners: Aix-les-Bains+11 pts |
| Share of housesMore houses: Aix-les-Bains+6.6 pts | 20.0% | 13.4% | More houses: Aix-les-Bains+6.6 pts |
| Social housing (SRU law) share of primary residencesMore social housing: Chambéry+14 pts | 18.9% | 32.8% | More social housing: Chambéry+14 pts |
| Second homesMore second homes: Aix-les-Bains+12 pts | 15.2% | 3.6% | More second homes: Aix-les-Bains+12 pts |
| Vacant homesMore vacant homes: Chambéry+0.5 pt | 8.6% | 9.0% | More vacant homes: Chambéry+0.5 pt |
| Property tax (combined rate)Higher rate: Chambéry+8.0 pts | 38.45% | 46.48% | Higher rate: Chambéry+8.0 pts |
Sources: DGFiP (DVF), Ministry of Housing (rent map), INSEE, census, Ministry for the Ecological Transition (SRU), DGFiP, local taxation
Income and jobs
Residents’ income and jobs
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median standard of living €/yearHigher: Aix-les-Bains+12% | 27,690 | 24,800 | Higher: Aix-les-Bains+12% |
| Poverty rateHigher: Chambéry+6.9 pts | 13.5% | 20.4% | Higher: Chambéry+6.9 pts |
| Average taxable income per householdHigher: Aix-les-Bains+15% | €33,152 | €28,884 | Higher: Aix-les-Bains+15% |
| Households paying income taxMore taxpaying households: Aix-les-Bains+7.2 pts | 54% | 47% | More taxpaying households: Aix-les-Bains+7.2 pts |
| Activity rate (ages 15-64)Higher: Aix-les-Bains+5.7 pts | 79.3% | 73.6% | Higher: Aix-les-Bains+5.7 pts |
| Unemployment rate (census)Higher: Chambéry+0.4 pt | 11.5% | 11.8% | Higher: Chambéry+0.4 pt |
Sources: INSEE, Filosofi, DGFiP, income tax, INSEE, census
Local life
Town hall and fiber internet
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Renaud Beretti | Thierry Repentin | |
| Political label of the mayor’s list (2026 local elections) | Les Républicains | union of the left | |
| Premises with fiberBetter covered: Aix-les-Bains+1.3 pt | 97% | 96% | Better covered: Aix-les-Bains+1.3 pt |
Sources: Ministry of the Interior, register of elected officials, Ministry of the Interior, Arcep
Shops and facilities
Shops, leisure and transportation
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shops per 10,000 inhab.More shops per capita: Aix-les-Bains+5% | 88.3291 in total | 84.4519 in total | More shops per capita: Aix-les-Bains+5% |
| Food shops per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Aix-les-Bains+22% | 28.594 in total | 23.4144 in total | More per capita: Aix-les-Bains+22% |
| Restaurants per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Chambéry+0.5% | 48.6160 in total | 48.8300 in total | More per capita: Chambéry+0.5% |
| Sports facilities per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Chambéry+11% | 18.260 in total | 20.2124 in total | More per capita: Chambéry+11% |
| Cultural venues per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Chambéry+38% | 2.17 in total | 2.918 in total | More per capita: Chambéry+38% |
| Hotels per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Aix-les-Bains2.7 times as high | 7.926 in total | 2.918 in total | More per capita: Aix-les-Bains2.7 times as high |
| Passenger train stationsTie | 1 | 1 | Tie |
Number of facilities per 10,000 inhabitants (total count in small print). Source: INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Health
Health care
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year localized potential accessibilityBetter access: Chambéry+34% | 3.8 | 5.1 | Better access: Chambéry+34% |
| General practitioners per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Chambéry+21% | 13.444 in total | 16.199 in total | More per capita: Chambéry+21% |
| Medical specialists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Aix-les-Bains+66% | 26.487 in total | 15.998 in total | More per capita: Aix-les-Bains+66% |
| Dentists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Aix-les-Bains+7% | 9.732 in total | 9.156 in total | More per capita: Aix-les-Bains+7% |
| Pharmacies per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Aix-les-Bains+12% | 3.612 in total | 3.320 in total | More per capita: Aix-les-Bains+12% |
| HospitalsMore facilities: Aix-les-Bains+2 | 7 | 5 | More facilities: Aix-les-Bains+2 |
Practitioners and facilities per 10,000 inhabitants (total count in small print); access to doctors includes those in neighboring communes. Sources: Ministry of Health (DREES), APL, INSEE, facilities database (BPE), Ministry of Health (Finess)
Education
Schools and colleges
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary schoolsMore schools: Chambéry+23 | 16 | 39 | More schools: Chambéry+23 |
| Middle schoolsMore middle schools: Chambéry+1 | 5 | 6 | More middle schools: Chambéry+1 |
| High schoolsMore high schools: Chambéry+4 | 3 | 7 | More high schools: Chambéry+4 |
| Higher education institutions and programsMore facilities: Chambéry+8 | 0 | 8 | More facilities: Chambéry+8 |
Sources: Ministry of Education, INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Recorded crime
Offenses recorded by the police
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homesTie | 7.2 | 7.2 | Tie |
| Non-violent thefts per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Chambéry+3% | 14.5 | 14.9 | Higher rate: Chambéry+3% |
| Physical violence outside the family per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Chambéry+37% | 3.6 | 5.0 | Higher rate: Chambéry+37% |
| Vehicle thefts per 1,000 inhab.Tie | 1.6 | 1.6 | Tie |
| Vandalism and property damage per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Aix-les-Bains+6% | 13.2 | 12.4 | Higher rate: Aix-les-Bains+6% |
Offenses recorded in the commune by the police and gendarmerie, per 1,000 inhabitants (per 1,000 homes for burglaries); this is not the actual crime level. Rates for the latest published year. Source: Ministry of the Interior (SSMSI)
Climate
Temperature, sunshine and rain
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureWarmer: Aix-les-Bains+0.1 °C | 11.9°C | 11.8°C | Warmer: Aix-les-Bains+0.1 °C |
| Sunshine h/yearTie | 1,895 | 1,895 | Tie |
| Rainfall mm/yearWetter: Aix-les-Bains+5% | 1,204 | 1,148 | Wetter: Aix-les-Bains+5% |
| Rainy days days/year at least 1 mmMore rainy days: Chambéry+5 days/year | 115 | 119 | More rainy days: Chambéry+5 days/year |
| Frost days days/yearMore frost days: Chambéry+15 days/year | 66 | 80 | More frost days: Chambéry+15 days/year |
| Very hot days days/year 30 °C or moreMore hot days: Chambéry+6 days/year | 25 | 30 | More hot days: Chambéry+6 days/year |
Climate normals from the reference Météo-France station of each commune. Source: Météo-France, climate normals
Natural hazards
Natural disasters and prevention
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural disasters declared since 1982More declarations: Aix-les-Bains+1 | 13 | 12 | More declarations: Aix-les-Bains+1 |
| Natural hazard prevention plansMore plans: Chambéry+1 | 1 | 2 | More plans: Chambéry+1 |
| Radon potentialSame | Low, with aggravating factors | Low, with aggravating factors | Same |
Sources: Géorisques (GASPAR), IRSN
Land
Area, terrain and administrative areas
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area km²Larger: Chambéry+66% | 12.6 | 21.0 | Larger: Chambéry+66% |
| Town hall elevationHigher: Chambéry+10 m | 261 m | 271 m | Higher: Chambéry+10 m |
| Coastal commune | Yes (lake) | No | |
| Density grid (INSEE) | Intermediate urban centre | Large urban centre | |
| DepartmentSame | Savoie (73) | Savoie (73) | Same |
| Intercommunality | Communauté d'agglomération Grand Lac | Communauté d'agglomération du Grand Chambéry | |
| Urban unitSame | Chambéry | Chambéry | Same |
| Functional areaSame | Chambéry | Chambéry | Same |
Sources: IGN, IGN, elevation, Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Loi Littoral, INSEE, density grid, INSEE, COG, INSEE, geographic classifications
Summary
Aix-les-Bains vs Chambéry at a glance
| Criterion | Aix-les-Bains | Chambéry |
|---|---|---|
| Population inhab. | 32,944 | 61,493 |
| Change over 10 years | +9.6% | +2.2% |
| Density per km² | 2,610 | 2,930 |
| Median apartment price €/m² | 4,234 | 2,966 |
| Median house price €/m² | 4,618 | 3,957 |
| Apartment rent €/m² | 14.8 | 16.1 |
| Property tax (combined rate) | 38.45% | 46.48% |
| Median standard of living €/year | 27,690 | 24,800 |
| Unemployment rate (census) | 11.5% | 11.8% |
| Premises with fiber | 97% | 96% |
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year | 3.8 | 5.1 |
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homes | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| Average temperature | 11.9°C | 11.8°C |
| Sunshine h/year | 1,895 | 1,895 |
| Area km² | 12.6 | 21.0 |
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FAQ
Aix-les-Bains vs Chambéry: your questions
Which is the larger city, Aix-les-Bains or Chambéry?
By population, Chambéry: 61,493 inhabitants versus 32,944 for Aix-les-Bains (official population figures in force on January 1, 2026). Chambéry is the 96th largest city in France, Aix-les-Bains the 257th. By area, Chambéry is also the larger (21.0 km²).
How far is Aix-les-Bains from Chambéry?
Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry are 12 km apart as the crow flies, between the centers of the two communes, in the same department (Savoie).
Where is real estate more expensive, in Aix-les-Bains or Chambéry?
To buy an apartment, Aix-les-Bains is more expensive: €4,234 per m² (median price), versus €2,966 in Chambéry (+43%). Median prices of sales over the last five years (DGFiP, DVF).
Where is the standard of living higher, in Aix-les-Bains or Chambéry?
In Aix-les-Bains, half of the residents have a standard of living above €27,690 a year, versus €24,800 in Chambéry (disposable income per consumption unit, INSEE).
Are Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry in the same department?
Yes: both towns are in Savoie (73), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Official population figures in force on January 1, 2026. Source: INSEE, official population figures