2026 comparison
Rennes vs Saint-Brieuc: 2026 comparison
Rennes has more inhabitants than Saint-Brieuc: 234,950 versus 45,736, or 5.1 times as many. Rennes is both larger (50.4 km² versus 21.9 km²) and more densely populated (4,663 inhabitants per km² versus 2,090).
The median apartment price is higher in Rennes: €3,719 per m² versus €1,671. The median standard of living is higher in Rennes (€25,100 a year versus €23,440).
The two cities are 91 km apart as the crow flies.
Rennes
City in Ille-et-Vilaine
- Population
- 234,950 inhab.
- 11th in France · 1st in its department
- Area
- 50.4 km²
- Density
- 4,663 per km²
Saint-Brieuc
City in Côtes-d'Armor
- Population
- 45,736 inhab.
- 161st in France · 1st in its department
- Area
- 21.9 km²
- Density
- 2,090 per km²
Population
Population and demographics
Municipal population since 1876
RennesSaint-Brieuc
| Criterion | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population inhab.More populous: Rennes5.1 times as high | 234,950 | 45,736 | More populous: Rennes5.1 times as high |
| Change over 5 yearsStronger growth: Rennes+5.6 pts | +6.0% | +0.4% | Stronger growth: Rennes+5.6 pts |
| Change over 10 yearsStronger growth: Rennes+11 pts | +9.2% | −2.1% | Stronger growth: Rennes+11 pts |
| Density per km²Denser: Rennes2.2 times as high | 4,663 | 2,090 | Denser: Rennes2.2 times as high |
| Under 15More young people: Saint-Brieuc+1.3 pt | 14.1% | 15.4% | More young people: Saint-Brieuc+1.3 pt |
| 65 and overMore seniors: Saint-Brieuc+9.0 pts | 14.3% | 23.3% | More seniors: Saint-Brieuc+9.0 pts |
| People per householdLarger households: Rennes+0.01 | 1.82 | 1.81 | Larger households: Rennes+0.01 |
Sources: INSEE, official population figures, INSEE, censuses, INSEE, census
Housing
Real estate prices and housing
| Criterion | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median apartment price €/m²More expensive: Rennes2.2 times as high | 3,719 | 1,671 | More expensive: Rennes2.2 times as high |
| Median house price €/m²More expensive: Rennes2.5 times as high | 4,821 | 1,965 | More expensive: Rennes2.5 times as high |
| Apartment rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Rennes+31% | 14.9 | 11.4 | More expensive: Rennes+31% |
| House rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Rennes+57% | 15.3 | 9.7 | More expensive: Rennes+57% |
| Homeowner householdsMore homeowners: Saint-Brieuc+15 pts | 33.8% | 48.9% | More homeowners: Saint-Brieuc+15 pts |
| Share of housesMore houses: Saint-Brieuc+26 pts | 12.0% | 38.4% | More houses: Saint-Brieuc+26 pts |
| Social housing (SRU law) share of primary residencesMore social housing: Rennes+4.7 pts | 31.5% | 26.7% | More social housing: Rennes+4.7 pts |
| Second homesMore second homes: Saint-Brieuc+0.2 pt | 4.8% | 5.0% | More second homes: Saint-Brieuc+0.2 pt |
| Vacant homesMore vacant homes: Saint-Brieuc+3.9 pts | 6.5% | 10.4% | More vacant homes: Saint-Brieuc+3.9 pts |
| Property tax (combined rate)Higher rate: Saint-Brieuc+2.0 pt | 47.70% | 49.66% | Higher rate: Saint-Brieuc+2.0 pt |
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 | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median standard of living €/yearHigher: Rennes+7% | 25,100 | 23,440 | Higher: Rennes+7% |
| Poverty rateHigher: Rennes+0.3 pt | 22.7% | 22.4% | Higher: Rennes+0.3 pt |
| Average taxable income per householdHigher: Rennes+22% | €30,294 | €24,792 | Higher: Rennes+22% |
| Households paying income taxMore taxpaying households: Rennes+6.0 pts | 47% | 41% | More taxpaying households: Rennes+6.0 pts |
| Activity rate (ages 15-64)Higher: Saint-Brieuc+3.5 pts | 69.1% | 72.6% | Higher: Saint-Brieuc+3.5 pts |
| Unemployment rate (census)Higher: Saint-Brieuc+0.6 pt | 13.8% | 14.3% | Higher: Saint-Brieuc+0.6 pt |
Sources: INSEE, Filosofi, DGFiP, income tax, INSEE, census
Local life
Town hall and fiber internet
| Criterion | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Nathalie Appéré | Victor Bonnot | |
| Political label of the mayor’s list (2026 local elections) | union of the left | miscellaneous right | |
| Premises with fiberBetter covered: Saint-Brieuc+1.3 pt | 97% | 98% | Better covered: Saint-Brieuc+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 | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shops per 10,000 inhab.More shops per capita: Saint-Brieuc+10% | 55.41,301 in total | 61.0279 in total | More shops per capita: Saint-Brieuc+10% |
| Food shops per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+12% | 15.9373 in total | 17.781 in total | More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+12% |
| Restaurants per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+4% | 35.9844 in total | 37.4171 in total | More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+4% |
| Sports facilities per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Saint-Brieuc3.3 times as high | 9.1213 in total | 30.2138 in total | More per capita: Saint-Brieuc3.3 times as high |
| Cultural venues per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+80% | 1.740 in total | 3.114 in total | More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+80% |
| Hotels per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+61% | 1.535 in total | 2.411 in total | More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+61% |
| Passenger train stationsMore stations: Rennes+2 | 3 | 1 | More stations: Rennes+2 |
Number of facilities per 10,000 inhabitants (total count in small print). Source: INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Health
Health care
| Criterion | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year localized potential accessibilityBetter access: Rennes+33% | 4.8 | 3.6 | Better access: Rennes+33% |
| General practitioners per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Rennes+26% | 10.5246 in total | 8.338 in total | More per capita: Rennes+26% |
| Medical specialists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Rennes+29% | 19.2451 in total | 14.968 in total | More per capita: Rennes+29% |
| Dentists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+8% | 7.1167 in total | 7.735 in total | More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+8% |
| Pharmacies per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+35% | 2.457 in total | 3.315 in total | More per capita: Saint-Brieuc+35% |
| HospitalsMore facilities: Rennes+27 | 36 | 9 | More facilities: Rennes+27 |
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 | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary schoolsMore schools: Rennes+72 | 100 | 28 | More schools: Rennes+72 |
| Middle schoolsMore middle schools: Rennes+15 | 25 | 10 | More middle schools: Rennes+15 |
| High schoolsMore high schools: Rennes+17 | 29 | 12 | More high schools: Rennes+17 |
| Higher education institutions and programsMore facilities: Rennes+87 | 102 | 15 | More facilities: Rennes+87 |
Sources: Ministry of Education, INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Recorded crime
Offenses recorded by the police
| Criterion | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homesHigher rate: Rennes+8% | 4.8 | 4.4 | Higher rate: Rennes+8% |
| Non-violent thefts per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Rennes+50% | 20.9 | 13.9 | Higher rate: Rennes+50% |
| Physical violence outside the family per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Saint-Brieuc+50% | 4.2 | 6.3 | Higher rate: Saint-Brieuc+50% |
| Vehicle thefts per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Rennes+37% | 1.9 | 1.4 | Higher rate: Rennes+37% |
| Vandalism and property damage per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Saint-Brieuc+40% | 10.7 | 14.9 | Higher rate: Saint-Brieuc+40% |
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 | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureWarmer: Rennes+1.0 °C | 12.4°C | 11.4°C | Warmer: Rennes+1.0 °C |
| Sunshine h/yearSunnier: Rennes+9% | 1,762 | 1,616 | Sunnier: Rennes+9% |
| Rainfall mm/yearWetter: Saint-Brieuc+10% | 691 | 757 | Wetter: Saint-Brieuc+10% |
| Rainy days days/year at least 1 mmMore rainy days: Saint-Brieuc+15 days/year | 115 | 130 | More rainy days: Saint-Brieuc+15 days/year |
| Frost days days/yearMore frost days: Rennes+13 days/year | 30 | 17 | More frost days: Rennes+13 days/year |
| Very hot days days/year 30 °C or moreMore hot days: Rennes+8 days/year | 9 | 1 | More hot days: Rennes+8 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 | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural disasters declared since 1982More declarations: Rennes+2 | 14 | 12 | More declarations: Rennes+2 |
| Natural hazard prevention plansTie | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Radon potentialSame | Significant | Significant | Same |
Sources: Géorisques (GASPAR), IRSN
Land
Area, terrain and administrative areas
| Criterion | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area km²Larger: Rennes2.3 times as high | 50.4 | 21.9 | Larger: Rennes2.3 times as high |
| Town hall elevationHigher: Saint-Brieuc+43 m | 32 m | 76 m | Higher: Saint-Brieuc+43 m |
| Coastal commune | No | Yes (sea) | |
| Density grid (INSEE)Same | Large urban centre | Large urban centre | Same |
| Department | Ille-et-Vilaine (35) | Côtes-d'Armor (22) | |
| Intercommunality | Rennes Métropole | Communauté d'agglomération Saint-Brieuc Armor Agglomération | |
| Urban unit | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc | |
| Functional area | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc |
Sources: IGN, IGN, elevation, Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Loi Littoral, INSEE, density grid, INSEE, COG, INSEE, geographic classifications
Summary
Rennes vs Saint-Brieuc at a glance
| Criterion | Rennes | Saint-Brieuc |
|---|---|---|
| Population inhab. | 234,950 | 45,736 |
| Change over 10 years | +9.2% | −2.1% |
| Density per km² | 4,663 | 2,090 |
| Median apartment price €/m² | 3,719 | 1,671 |
| Median house price €/m² | 4,821 | 1,965 |
| Apartment rent €/m² | 14.9 | 11.4 |
| Property tax (combined rate) | 47.70% | 49.66% |
| Median standard of living €/year | 25,100 | 23,440 |
| Unemployment rate (census) | 13.8% | 14.3% |
| Premises with fiber | 97% | 98% |
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year | 4.8 | 3.6 |
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homes | 4.8 | 4.4 |
| Average temperature | 12.4°C | 11.4°C |
| Sunshine h/year | 1,762 | 1,616 |
| Area km² | 50.4 | 21.9 |
More comparisons
Compare with other towns
FAQ
Rennes vs Saint-Brieuc: your questions
Which is the larger city, Rennes or Saint-Brieuc?
By population, Rennes: 234,950 inhabitants versus 45,736 for Saint-Brieuc (official population figures in force on January 1, 2026). Rennes is the 11th largest city in France, Saint-Brieuc the 161st. By area, Rennes is also the larger (50.4 km²).
How far is Rennes from Saint-Brieuc?
Rennes and Saint-Brieuc are 91 km apart as the crow flies, between the centers of the two communes.
Where is real estate more expensive, in Rennes or Saint-Brieuc?
To buy an apartment, Rennes is more expensive: €3,719 per m² (median price), versus €1,671 in Saint-Brieuc (+123%). Median prices of sales over the last five years (DGFiP, DVF).
Where is the standard of living higher, in Rennes or Saint-Brieuc?
In Rennes, half of the residents have a standard of living above €25,100 a year, versus €23,440 in Saint-Brieuc (disposable income per consumption unit, INSEE).
Which city is sunnier, Rennes or Saint-Brieuc?
Rennes: 1,762 hours of sunshine a year on average, versus 1,616 in Saint-Brieuc (climate normals from the reference Météo-France station of each town).
Official population figures in force on January 1, 2026. Source: INSEE, official population figures