2023 Cost of living in France: An overview of how much it costs to live in France

Cost of living in France vs UK & USA

The cost of living can be relative based on what you’re familiar with, where you are currently based and what your salary is. Living in France may be less expensive than many places in the UK and the USA. The cost of living in France per month varies based on the city or town as well as the region but it’s typically lower than what it would cost to live in the UK and the USA. According to Numbeo, the monthly average cost for a family of 4 in France, excluding rent, is €3,146.

The cost of living in France varies widely based on whether you choose to live in a big city, in a village or in a rural area.  For example, the cost of living in Paris is more expensive than in other regions so it may not be a first choice if you want your money to go further or if you prefer to have lower rent or a mortgage. However, the cost of living in France is typically considered to be less expensive than in the UK or the US so when you tally up monthly expenses in this country, it may be possible that living in the city of lights is well within your budget.  

Many people may wonder what is the cost of living: France vs UK. According to Livingcost, living in France is 20% less expensive than living in the UK when rent, groceries, and transportation is taken into account. Curious about the cost of living: France vs the US? According to Livingcost, the cost of living in the United States is 34% more expensive than living in France. 

Buying a house

Prices for purchasing a home in France fluctuate significantly, depending on the location and whether you choose a city or a small town. Prices are typically more affordable in rural areas or villages that aren’t on the tourist radar. Home prices are also determined based on the size, if it’s an older home or apartment and if it’s been recently renovated. In some lesser-known areas, you may be able to find homes for as low as 50,000 euros. Curious about what the process is for buying a home in France? Read our Step by step guide to buying property in France.
 

Renting a house 

You may not be in the market to purchase a home or may prefer to rent in a city or town first to get an idea of what it’s like to live in the area before deciding on if you want to own a home. So you’re wondering,  how much is rent in France? According to Numbeo, the average rent in France for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is €719 while a similar apartment on the outside of the city averages €587 per month.

Household bills

After you figure out your monthly rent or mortgage, it’s time to hone in on monthly household bills. Internet, phone service and utilities, including electricity, water and garbage, are all essential items that you’ll pay for no matter where you are living. According to Numbeo, basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment in France are approximately €164 per month. This number can fluctuate based on the area you live in and if the size of the home is smaller or bigger. 

Food & drink 

Eating out in France can be less expensive than in many places in the US and the UK. Another factor is where you dine since restaurants, cafeterias and bars will have different price points as well as if it’s upscale or not. In France, many restaurants offer lunch menus where you can have more affordable meal options, which usually include a starter, main dish and drink.  

Drinking wine is a big part of the culture and ordering a glass isn’t usually much more than a soda or a beer.

When it comes to buying groceries, the US is considered more affordable, thanks to numerous supermarket options and big box stores. According to Net Credit, the average cost of groceries in the United States is $25.71 while in France it’s $37.07 for the same or similar items.

In France, it’s more common to frequent several shops to purchase your groceries instead of a one-stop shop. For example, it’s common to buy your baguette at the boulangerie, meat from the butcher, and fruit and vegetables at the local weekly markets. Shopping at several small shops is part of the charm of living in France and lets you have more interactions with the people you purchase from.

Entertainment & leisure

An important part of a budget is having money for entertainment and leisure. If you like spending time in nature or going for hikes or walks there are many areas in France to get out and explore. The best part is– it’s free. In some natural areas, there are options to rent bikes, kayaks or even surfboards, if you’re on the coast. Enjoy going to the cinema? A ticket averages around €11 per person. In bigger cities, there will be plenty of opportunities to go to the theatre, dance performances, concerts, and food and music festivals. 

Travel & transport

Getting around in France is relatively easy, especially when you’re based in cities or decent size towns. Public transportation is reliable and expansive so you can get to numerous destinations without needing a car. The SNCF Railway has both local and national rail services.  You can catch a high-speed train, or the TCV, to get to Paris or London from some cities. There is also the option of taking a bus for both long distances and shorter journeys. Airports abound throughout the country so whether you want to go from one point of the country to the other or if you want to explore another country in Europe, you’ll have plenty of options.

Sometimes having your own car is convenient and can be the best choice if you want to go for a scenic drive or take a road trip through France.  And if you live in a more rural area, chances are public transportation will be at a minimum so having your own transport will be your best bet. Driving in France is doable but just make sure you’re familiar with the rules and know what the road signs mean before hopping behind the wheel.

Planning on driving in France? Here’s All you need to know about driving in France
 

Healthcare and education

After living some time in France, you’ll likely need to visit the doctor for a routine visit. In France, health insurance is required to have access to healthcare services. Similar to the US, patients are expected to pay a copay, a percentage of the bill, usually around 20% of the total. Paying a copay should be factored into the cost of living in France as well as the possibility of paying for private insurance.

You must present a health card or show proof of health insurance before you can receive care. If you’re from Britain, make sure you apply for the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), or for those from a European country, have your European Health Insurance card (EHIC) handy before you move to France. A British or European insurance card gives you access to health care with low overhead or even free, depending on the medical services provided.

After you apply for French residency, it’s possible you might qualify for the public health care system, otherwise, you may want to pay for private health insurance to ensure all your potential medical needs are covered.

French public schools are known for high-quality education. France offers many possibilities when it comes to education from public to private schools as well as international and Montessori. If you want your children to be taught in a bilingual classroom, you’re going to need to consider international schools where the curriculum is in English and French. But make sure you budget in this additional expense as one year of elementary education at an international school can be €10,108, according to Numbeo.  

Want to know more about the French school systems? Check out our Guide to the schooling system in France
 

Other costs

Now when it comes to the cost of living, there are other items to factor in such as childcare, owning a vehicle, clothing, hobbies, and extracurricular activities you enjoy. If you enjoy playing sports or like to go to a gym, the average cost of gym membership is €33, according to Numbeo. If you have young children, you’ll need to consider the cost of childcare, which can average around €599 per month. 

Conclusion

Now that you know the cost of living in France you are one step closer to finding your sunshine in France. Budgeting as realistically as possible is an empowering move towards knowing that the life you are dreaming of can be your reality.