Many Monaco natives are not wealthy and must rely on government subsidies in order to afford to remain in Monaco. It is nearly impossible for foreigners to become citizens, so government subsidies are tailor-made to support Monaco natives. The unemployment rate is estimated at 2 percent, one of the lowest in the world.

While Monaco is famous for its millionaires, "normal" people—specifically Monegasque nationals and essential workers—afford to live there through a robust system of state-subsidized social housing and financial allowances. The Principality reserves a large portion of its housing stock for its citizens (Monegasques), who pay significantly lower rents than the astronomical market rates. For non-national residents who work in Monaco, the government provides the "Differential Rent Allowance" (DRA) and "National Housing Aid" (NHA), which help cover the gap between their income and the high cost of living. To qualify, residents must meet strict income and residency duration requirements. Furthermore, many "normal" employees who work in Monaco's service, hospitality, and healthcare sectors do not actually live in the city-state; instead, they commute from neighboring French towns like Beausoleil, Menton, or Nice, where housing is more affordable. In 2026, the Monaco government continues to expand its "Workforce Housing" initiatives to ensure that the people who keep the city running can live within a reasonable distance of their jobs.