Explore Daily Living Costs in France
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 deciding 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.
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The Cost of Living in France Versus 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 more expensive in France.
A monthly internet bill in France costs half as much as 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 pay a larger share of their healthcare costs, resulting in higher healthcare expenses for Americans than for the French.
The Most Expensive and Cheapest Places 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 2024 Cost of Living City Ranking, Paris ranks 29th among the world’s most expensive cities.
Some Parisian neighborhoods are more affordable than others, however. Paris is less costly than cities like London, New York City, Los Angeles, and Sydney.
Read about 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 they 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 at a higher price. It鈥檚 currently the fourth-most expensive place to live in France.
Nice
Nice, capital of the French Riviera, offers foreigners warm weather and upscale attractions. Rent is 37% lower here than in Paris.
Marseille
A coastal city in the Provence region that sits on the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also less expensive than Paris, with rents that are 45% 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 41.4% lower than in Paris, but it’s only slightly less expensive to buy groceries, dine out, and buy clothing.
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 59.2% lower than in Paris.
叠别蝉补苍莽辞苍
叠别蝉补苍莽辞苍, 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 65.8% 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 64.1% lower than 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 are 53.9% lower than in similar areas of 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.
Discover 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 $1,175 to $2,125 per month. Outside the center, rent ranges from $880 to $1,530 for a one-bedroom.
A three-bedroom apartment in the heart of Paris rents for $2,940 to $4,590, while the same size apartment rents for $1,760 to $3,060 outside of the center of the city.
In contrast, renting a one-bedroom apartment in a less expensive city like Dijon can cost $530 to $1,180 per month, or $470 to $650 outside of the city center.
A three-bedroom apartment rents for $940 to $1,415 in the city center, or $880 to $1,170 outside of downtown Dijon.
The average utility cost in France, including electricity, heating, cooling, and water, ranges from $141 to $375 per month.
In Paris, costs can reach $445, while in a place like 叠别蝉补苍莽辞苍, utilities may be as low as $115 per month. Internet service generally costs between $25 to $50 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 site, which can help with some of those expenses.
Food and Entertainment Costs in France
Food prices have risen worldwide since the start of the 2020s. In France, food price inflation is currently around 1.8% per year, which is below the global average of 2.4%.
What do those figures translate to in real life? Milk costs between $4 and $8 per gallon. You can buy a dozen eggs for $2.30 to $7.00. Want to try making coq au vin? Two pounds of chicken sells for $8.20 to $21.00.
Delicious local cheeses are $4.70 to $20 per pound. Potatoes go for just over a dollar per pound, while apples are $0.90 to $2.35 per pound. You can get a decent bottle of wine for $4.70 to $15.00.
If you prefer to enjoy your French cuisine at an inexpensive local bistro, you’ll pay between $12 and $30 for a meal. A three-course meal for two will cost between $49 and $118.
If you’d like to make it a night out and go to the movies, a pair of tickets will be $23 to $35. Getting popcorn, whether you prefer it “sucr茅” (sugar-coated) or “sal茅” (with salt), will cost extra.
Transportation Costs in France
Residents benefit from an exceptional rail system. To purchase low-cost train tickets, visit the website. Local transportation options include the metro and bus systems.
A one-way ticket for these systems will cost between $1.75 and $3.00, or you can get a monthly transit pass for $39 to $106.
If you prefer the freedom that comes with your own set of wheels, a new Volkswagen Golf can cost around $36鈥�37,000. Expect to pay $8 to $10 per gallon of gasoline.
Healthcare Costs in France
France’s healthcare system is among the best in the world. After living in the country for three months, legal residents can apply to be covered by the national healthcare system, known as PUMA, an acronym for “protection universelle maladie” (universal health protection).
The French government regulates many medical fees. For patients covered by PUMA, a standard visit to a general practitioner usually costs about $35 upfront, with around 70% reimbursed by the public system. Specialist visits generally start at about $37 for Sector 1 doctors, though some specialists charge higher fees. Patients without coverage typically pay the full amount out of pocket.
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.
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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 on 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.
Sara Kettler is a seasoned freelance writer and Dartmouth graduate who has lived in Japan, France, the UK, and Australia. She shares insights on international relocation, including healthcare, culture, and local laws, helping readers navigate life abroad with ease.
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