Following the release of the findings of a survey conducted by the Principality’s National Council, Monaco Life delves into the details to find out what makes Monegasques tick and what their concerns are about life in this Mediterranean enclave.
The results of a public survey into the quality of life in Monaco were revealed at a public meeting with 500 people at the Grimaldi Forum earlier this week.
During the month of September, Monegasque nationals living in the Principality received a detailed questionnaire about various facets of life in Monaco, from health and social care to public safety, housing, work life and leisure.
Some 2,768 people responded, a participation rate of 38%, with more than half aged over 55 years.
Overall, 89% of participants reported feeling happy with the quality of life in Monaco, and 74% believe that their fellow Monegasques generally share this sentiment.
BIGGEST CONCERNS
Traffic, air quality, and noise ranked among the top points of contention, with 63% of respondents identifying these issues as their primary concerns. Healthcare and safety followed closely, with 37% and 34% respectively. Nevertheless, 48% positively assessed state efforts to improve living conditions, an improvement from 41% in 2019.
The large majority, 80%, said that mobility could be enhanced through better SNCF TER train services, while 71% supported promoting sustainable transport, even at the cost of limiting car use. Measures such as rethinking pedestrian areas, expanding green spaces, and curbing street parking also garnered substantial support.
Current transport habits reveal that 79% prefer walking, two-thirds use buses, and 41% drive within the Principality’s borders, with half of 18 to 24-year-olds choosing this method. Alternative options like bicycles (6%) and Monabike rentals (10%) saw less use.
HOUSING
Housing ranked fourth among concerns, although 79% reported being satisfied with their accommodation. Dissatisfaction was more prominent among the 25 to 44 age group and those in private housing. For those in state-owned accommodation, rent and service charges were the top criteria for dissatisfaction (46%), followed by accessible parking (39%) and location (36%).
See more: Government vows progress on housing and Fontvieille amid National Council budget standoff
Respondents expressed strong interest in the National Council’s proposed State Estate Agency, underscoring a general desire for greater choice in housing and a streamlined, single point of contact for related matters. Simplified processes and more frequent allocation committees were also recommended by survey respondents.
WORKPLACE
Regarding employment, 56% believe that the priorities given to Monegasque workers are being upheld, a view most common among students (73%) and young adults (67%). Among professionals, opinions were more divided, with 42% doubting its implementation.
Job satisfaction was high among respondents, with 74% feeling fulfilled professionally, though levels of pay received lower ratings. Entrepreneurs and liberal professionals expressed the highest career satisfaction at 70% and 67%, respectively.
HEALTHCARE
While 77% said they were satisfied with Monaco’s healthcare services, only 63% expressed the same for CHPG hospital services, citing long wait times as a key issue. Consequently, 78% supported the creation of health centres.
SHOPPING AND LEISURE
A full 70% of Monegasques appreciated the quality of local retail services, but only 29% were satisfied with value for money. Renovation plans for the Fontvieille shopping centre received mixed reactions: 47% favoured a comprehensive overhaul, while 26% suggested minor improvements, and 25% advocated for limited upgrades.
Youth-focused facilities were identified as a gap. Two-thirds of respondents—and 80% of under-35s—supported a multi-activity space featuring go-karting, karaoke, and more. Common calls for enhanced cultural venues, such as a larger cinema or multi-use centres, reflect broader concerns about recreational opportunities.
Despite these gaps, 56% expressed satisfaction with Monaco’s amateur sports infrastructure, though dissatisfaction was higher among 25 to 34-year-olds.
Education also came into focus, with 67% supporting a preparatory class for elite business schools.
SOCIAL VIEWS
On social issues, a significant 80% supported legalising abortion, with 66% entirely in favour. This marks a notable shift in Monaco’s traditionally conservative context. Legislators are said to be exploring avenues to address this sentiment.
ELDER CARE AND BULLYING
Opinions on elderly care were mostly positive, with 65% satisfied.
Bullying in schools, however, prompted mixed reactions: 36% viewed it as well-managed, 31% disagreed, and the remainder were undecided.
See more: Transforming pain into purpose: Monaco launches art against bullying campaign
NATIONAL COUNCIL APPROVAL RATING
The National Council’s approval rating stands at 70% among respondents, with 53% viewing Monaco’s equivalent to a parliament favourably. However, trust in elected representatives has declined compared to previous survey results, prompting calls for initiatives to bridge the gap. Suggestions included personalised exchanges with officials, public meetings to discuss issues, and government-debate forums.
Concluding the presentation, Council President Thomas Brezzo thanked the participants of the survey, which was managed by BVA Xsight, and announced that the full report is now available online. To read it in full, click here.
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo source: Conseil National de Monaco