France is a dream destination for anyone who loves baguettes, brioche, croissants and other “boulangerie” delicacies. It’s also a fun country where you can enjoy everything from art galleries to skiing. But making the decision to live there can be difficult. Will your income cover your expenses? Where should you settle? See if it’s the right country for you with this look at the cost of living in France.
The Cost of Living in France vs. the US
Afraid that France will be more expensive than someplace like the U.S.? You’re in luck! Overall, it’s definitely cheaper to live in France than in the United States. Rent is about 25% to 50% less than in the USA. Utilities (heating, electricity, cooling, etc.) are slightly lower in France. A monthly internet bill in France costs half what it would in the USA. The prices for groceries and public transportation are roughly comparable.
Healthcare is another place where France’s costs are much lower than in the US. Per person, the French pay less than half what Americans do for healthcare, though people in France live longer. The country does have higher income taxes, which partially fund healthcare services. However, the U.S. requires people to directly pay for more of their healthcare needs, which results in higher healthcare expenses for Americans versus the French.
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What Are the Most Expensive and Cheapest Places to Live in France?
Rental costs and other expenses can vary widely. There are pricey areas, such as Paris and Lyon, but there are also budget-friendly places where expats have settled down.
It’s Expensive to Live in Paris
Paris isn’t just the best known city in France, it’s also the most expensive. According to Mercer’s Cost of Living City Ranking for 2023, Paris is the 35th most expensive city in the world. Some Parisian neighborhoods are more affordable than others, however. Paris is less costly than cities like London, New York City, Los Angeles and Beijing.
Also Read: The Cost of Living in Paris
Other Expensive Cities in France
Paris isn’t the only pricey place to live. The following cities can also be quite expensive, though all of these locations are cheaper than Paris.
- Lyon: Lyon has many of the pluses of a big, bustling city, from museums and galleries to bars and clubs. However, that comes with higher prices. After Paris, it’s the second most expensive place to live in France.
- Nice: Nice, capital of the French Riviera, offers foreigners warm weather and upscale attractions. Rent is 32.5% lower here than in Paris.
- Aix-en-Provence: Aix is a beautiful city in Provence. It’s close to Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also less expensive than Paris, with rents that are 35.9% lower.
- Bordeaux: Bordeaux is a lively city with beautiful weather. Plus any wine lover should appreciate the opportunity to live in this region. Rent is 46.9% lower than in Paris, but it’s only slightly less expensive to pay for things like groceries, dining out and clothing.
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The Most Affordable Cities in France
France is about the same geographic size as Texas, making it a big country by European standards. Among European Union nations, it’s the biggest by surface area, so it has plenty of great cities. If you’re looking for less expensive places to live, consider moving to one of these attractive and affordable cities.
- Dijon: If you like medieval history, the outdoors and affordable prices, Dijon may be the best city in France for you. The Route des Grands Crus is beloved by cyclists and wine aficionados. Plus rent is 63.5% lower than in Paris.
- Besançon: Besançon, located close to the Swiss border, has an enchanting medieval city center. The city welcomes all expats, from students to workers. Wine lovers will fall for the local white wines. Another bonus is that rental prices are 68.1% lower than they are in Paris.
- Pau: You can easily travel to the mountains or the beach from Pau, a lovely smaller city in the south. Rental prices are less than half what a similar apartment would cost in Paris.
- Rennes: Rennes, the capital of Brittany, is popular among immigrants. Foodies in particular appreciate this small city’s gastronomic offerings, from “galette-saucisse” (a sausage wrapped in a Breton-style crepe) to seafood. Rentals go for 55.7% less than similar places in Paris.
- Nimes: The southern city of Nimes, dubbed the “French Rome” for its Roman ruins, offers residents consistently sunny days and affordable living. It’s popular among those who retire abroad in France and others who appreciate that rent there is half what it would be in Paris.
Related: The Best Cities in France For Expats
The Average Cost of Living in France
Housing Costs in France
In Paris, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city for $1325 to $1650 per month. Outside of the center, rent goes down to $950 to $1,150 for a one-bedroom. A three-bedroom apartment in the heart of Paris rents for $2,900 to $3,600, while the same size apartment rents for $2,100 to $2,600 outside of the center of the city.
In contrast, renting a one-bedroom apartment in a less expensive city like Dijon can cost $500 to $610 per month, or $425 to $520 outside of the city center. A three-bedroom apartment rents for $950 to $1,165 in the city center, or $800 to $975 outside of downtown Dijon.
The average cost for utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling and water, ranges from $168 to $205 per month. In Paris, costs can go up to $250, while in somewhere like Besançon utilities may be as low as $90 per month. Internet service generally costs between $29 to $35 per month, no matter where you are in France.
Depending on your income, you and your family may be eligible for housing aid to help cover rental costs. Wherever you choose to live, legal residents should look into the Caisse d’allocations familiales site which can help with some of those expenses.
Food and Entertainment Costs in France
Food prices have gone up around the world since 2021. Between 2021 and 2022, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices there increased by more than five percent, though France was one of just six European Union countries whose prices went up by less than ten percent. Fortunately for lovers of French wine, alcoholic beverages kept their price increases to under five percent.
What do those figures translate to in real life? Milk costs between $4 and $5 per gallon. You can buy a dozen eggs for $3.65 to $4.50. Want to try making coq au vin? A pound of chicken sells for $5.60 to $6.90. Delicious local cheeses are $7.30 to $9 per pound. Potatoes go for about a dollar per pound, while apples are $1.20 to $1.50 per pound. You can get a decent bottle of wine for $6.85 to $8.50.
If you prefer to enjoy your French cuisine at an inexpensive local bistro, you’ll pay between $14.50 and $18 for a meal. A three-course meal for two will cost between $59 and $72. If you’d like to make it a night out and go to the movies, a pair of tickets will be $23.50 to $29. Getting popcorn, whether you prefer it “sucré” (sugar-coated) or “salé” (with salt), will cost extra.
Transportation Costs in France
Residents benefit from an exceptional rail system. To purchase low-cost train tickets, visit the Ouigo website. Local transportation options include metro and bus systems. A one-way ticket for these systems will cost between $1.75 and $2.20, or you can get a monthly transit pass for $73 to $90.
If you prefer the freedom that comes with your own set of wheels, a new Volkswagen Golf can cost around $25-$30,000. Expect to pay $7 to $8.50 per gallon of gasoline.
Healthcare Costs in France
France has one of the world’s best healthcare systems. After living in the country for three months, immigrants who are legal residents can apply to be covered by the national healthcare system, known as PUMA, an acronym that stands for “protection universelle maladie,” or universal health protection. The French government regulates most medical fees. For those with PUMA coverage, it costs around $8 to see a general practitioner and $16 for a specialist. If you aren’t covered, it’s $27 to visit a GP and $55 for a specialist.
You can also purchase your own private health insurance in France. This coverage will protect you before you can sign up for PUMA, or if you don’t qualify. And even after you’ve joined PUMA, supplemental private insurance means you can avoid wait times and receive care in private facilities.
Living in France Is Doable on Any Budget
If you’re savvy, living in France doesn’t have to be expensive. Choose a more affordable location and you’ll be able to enjoy your time there at any budget. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with settling down in Paris or another pricier city. Wherever you go, you’ll still have a wonderful experience during your stay, as life in France always comes with affordable transportation, accessible healthcare and delicious food.
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Related:
- Moving to France From the US
- France Work Visa: What Expats Need to Know
- The 5 Safest Places to Live In Paris
