Cost of Living in France

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: July 1, 2025

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2026

The cost of living in France is around €1,700 to €2,500 per month for a single person, depending on where you live and how you spend. In Paris, costs easily push past €2,200, while in smaller cities or the countryside, you can live comfortably for much less. Couples and families can expect to spend anywhere from €2,800 to €4,500/month, which of course depends also on housing and lifestyle. Living in France isn’t cheap, but it’s not outrageous either, especially if you stay outside Paris.

How expensive is it to live in France?

Paris is the most expensive city, with a single person spending around €1,000/month on basics like food, transport, and utilities—excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city typically ranges between €1,200 and €1,600/month, making the total monthly cost for a single person in Paris often exceed €2,300. Redditors say:

I live comfortably in the Paris area with €3,100/month. It’s tight on one income but definitely doable.

In cities like Lyon, Marseille, or Toulouse, basic living expenses average between €850 and €1,100/month, and rent for a one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from €600 to €1,000. This brings the total monthly budget to around €1,500–€2,000.

French citizens living in southern cities like Montpellier or in the Loire valley claim an excellent quality of life despite pay cuts of up to 40–50%. They bring up cheaper rent, more affordable groceries, and pretty accessible healthcare costs, at least compared to the United States. Many describe daily life in mid-sized French cities as “comfortable,” even on modest incomes.

Costs are much lower in smaller towns or rural areas, like parts of Brittany, Dordogne, or Occitanie. A couple can live comfortably for €2,100–€2,800/month, including rent. Many properties outside major cities rent for under €1,000/month, and day-to-day costs are often 20–30% lower than in Paris. Posts from retirees and long-term expats on Reddit often describe rural France as an ideal destination for those on fixed incomes. With many households getting by on €30,000–€45,000 per year, users say they enjoy a slower pace of life, lower bills, and access to excellent public services.

While France is not the cheapest country in Europe, its cost-to-quality-of-life ratio is considered excellent, especially for those outside Paris. Healthcare, education, and public services remain high quality and relatively affordable compared to other Western nations. In any case, outside Paris, it’s not like France is considerably more expensive than other very attractive European countries.

France as a whole, for example, compares very well to Germany. In Germany, total monthly expenses will be around €1,880 for a single person and approximately €5,040 for a family of four. There are plenty of locations in France where you can match this spend.

Spain, for instance, will be cheaper than Germany and France, with similar monthly expenses of approximately €1,670 for a single person and around €4,020 for a family of four. That’s a substantial difference when compared to Paris—almost 35% cheaper—but if you compare Madrid to lovely cities like Bordeaux, then you can almost match the price.

Most expensive cities in France

According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index, these three cities are among the most expensive in France:

• Paris: As the capital city, Paris has a high cost of living. The estimated monthly expenses for a single person are approximately €1,000, excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom flat in the city centre averages around €1,200–€1,600 per month.
• Nice: Located on the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur, near Monaco. The average monthly cost of living for a single person is around €979, excluding rent.
• Lyon: Lyon has a high standard of living and is a major business centre. The average monthly expenses for a single person are approximately €1,000, as in Paris, excluding rent.

Cheapest places to live in France

Numbeo's data suggests that the following cities offer a lower cost of living:

• Limoges: The capital of French porcelain has an average monthly cost of living for a single person of approximately €670, excluding rent.

• Nîmes: This southern city combines a Mediterranean climate with relatively low expenses. Average monthly costs are around €680, excluding rent.

   

Cost of Living in France vs the UK

When comparing the cost of living between France and the United Kingdom, France is generally more affordable—especially outside Paris. As we said, a single person spends around €1,700 to €2,500/month in France, depending on the city, while the UK average is closer to €2,210/month. For a family of four, monthly costs in France range between €2,800 and €4,500, compared to around €5,338 in the UK (all figures include rent).

London, much like Paris, is an outlier in its own country—rents and services cost significantly more than the national average.

Here’s a comparison of common everyday items:

Cost of Living in France vs the US

France also comes out cheaper when compared to the United States, particularly in terms of healthcare, transportation, and daily essentials. In the US, a single person typically spends around €3,700/month, whereas in France, it’s between €1,700 and €2,500/month. For families, the US average reaches €5,300, compared to €2,800–€4,500 in France.

Expats who have relocated from the US to France regularly highlight lower rent, healthcare, and food costs as key reasons why their pay cheques stretch further—even after taking salary cuts.

Here’s a side-by-side cost comparison:

Rent per month in France

Rent prices in France vary significantly depending on the city, neighbourhood, and whether the flat is furnished or not. Based on data from leading French rental platforms such as SeLoger and Paris Rental, monthly costs can range from under €500 in smaller towns to over €1,600 in central Paris. Let’s break these numbers down:

How to find an apartment in France

If you’re trying to rent in France—especially in a city like Paris—brace yourself for a process that’s equal parts paperwork and patience. Prices in the capital are some of the steepest in Europe, and competition can be intense. One of the best ways for newcomers to get started is with a short-term furnished rental. You can settle in more quickly, avoid making mistakes at the start, and get around landlords who don't want to rent to foreigners who haven't lived in the area before.

On top of this, when you do move on to a long-term lease, be ready to prove you’re “already established” in the country. French landlords often ask for your last three payslips, confirmation that you’re no longer on a probationary period at work, and a guarantor based in France. Without these, expect pushback—or silence. Letting agencies can help, but they’ll charge for it.

Scams are, unfortunately, common, especially on social media. Facebook groups geared at students or newcomers are a magnet for fraudulent deals, so it’s safer to stick with trusted rental platforms like:

• PAP (Particulier à Particulier) – direct-from-owner listings
• SeLoger – large inventory and scam filtering
• A Vendre A Louer – classic portal for buying and renting
• Paris Rental – specialises in upscale furnished apartments for expats
• Blueground and Spotahome – great for furnished rentals and remote bookings

One quirk to be aware of: a deux-pièces isn’t two bedrooms. It’s usually one bedroom plus a living room (where the couch might double as guest accommodation). And rents reflect it—expect €850 to €1,500 for a small unfurnished flat in a large city, or upwards of €2,500 for a three-room apartment you might share with flatmates.

What is bail civil or civil lease in France?

Since France is a highly regulated nation, tenants receive greater protection than landlords. There are, however, ways to get around strict rules, and expats will notice that most, if not all, places to stay are marked with the terms “bail civil” or “civil lease.” A bail civil is a type of rental agreement used a lot in France for second homes or other non-residential uses. Landlords use the figure to get better arrangements for them. This is pretty common. If you notice that your rent is marked under a bail civil, you shouldn’t worry.

Utilities and internet

In France, renters usually pay for the “private charges,” such as utility bills.

For an 85 m² flat, you can expect to pay around €183 per month for basic utilities. This typically includes electricity, heating, water, and waste collection. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on the region and seasonal energy use—especially in winter.

Internet (60+ Mbps, unlimited data) costs approximately €29.90 per month. It’s widely available across France and generally straightforward to set up, particularly in urban areas where fibre-optic connections are increasingly common.

Paris apartments don’t have air conditioning because ceiling fans make the summers in the capital bearable. More importantly, it’s against the law to put up anything that would make the city look bad, and buildings aren’t set up to handle air conditioners. In the summer, this means that energy bills are not too high!

Cost of groceries and eating out

Grocery shopping in France is generally affordable, especially when compared to countries like the UK or the US. Prices vary slightly between supermarkets (like Carrefour, Lidl, or Monoprix), but many locals also rely on weekly open-air markets for fresh produce.

Here are some average grocery prices:

• Milk (1 litre): ~ €1.09
• Fresh bread (500g baguette): ~ €1.60
• Eggs (12): ~ €3.74
• Local cheese (1kg): ~ €16
• Chicken breast (1kg): ~ €11.50
• Apples (1kg): ~ €2.70
• Tomatoes (1kg): ~ €3.10
• Rice (1kg): ~ €2.20
• Water (1.5L bottle): ~ €0.85
• Bottle of mid-range wine: ~ €8

You’ll spend around €250–€350/month on groceries as a single person if you cook regularly and shop smart.

Eating out

Dining out in France can range from budget-friendly to indulgent, depending on where and how often you go.

• A casual lunch menu at a café or bistro: €13–€18
• Fast food meal (e.g. McDonald’s): ~ €10
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant (three courses for two): ~ €50–€65
• Coffee (regular cappuccino): ~ €3.50
• Beer (0.5L draught): ~ €6.50
• Glass of wine: often €3–€5, especially outside Paris

Eating out is a core part of French culture, so there are prix fixe menus, plat du jour options, and budget eateries that allow you to enjoy quality meals without overspending. In cities like Paris, Nice, or Lyon, expect higher prices, especially in touristy or central neighbourhoods.

For students and expats on a budget, university cafeterias (CROUS) and workers’ canteens offer full meals for as little as €3.30.

Transportation costs

Public transport in France is broadly accessible, efficient, and quite affordable, especially when compared to other major European cities.

• Single-journey ticket (metro or bus) usually costs around €1.90.
• A monthly pass ranges from roughly €62, with central hubs like Paris approaching €88.40 for a Navigo pass covering all city zones.

Taxis tend to be more expensive:

1. Starting fare is approximately €4.65–€5, varying by region.
2. Per kilometre charges are around €3.22 in many cities.
3. Waiting time during rides may cost up to €32–€33/hour.

In major cities like Paris, rates are higher—about €8 to start, €4.83/km, and €48/hour wait times.

Mobile phone plans

Mobile service is very accessible in France. A typical plan with calls, texts, and 10–20 GB of data costs around €20/month. And many providers offer no-contract options.

You should get a pre-paid SIM card if you only plan to stay in France for a year or less. In stores or at the airport, you can buy one from Orange France for €2.99 or from SFR France and Bouygues Telecom for about €10. Keep in mind that they are usually pricier at the airport.

For just €2 a month, Free Mobile is another good option. It lets you send unlimited SMS messages—ten years ago, SMS was common even over WhatsApp, but that’s not the case anymore—but it offers limited calls or internet. Keep in mind that even though there is no contract, you still need to send a formal letter to cancel the service. This means that many people back home are still paying for the service because they can’t cancel it. You can still use La Poste’s “Envoyer une lettre en ligne” service to have them send the cancellation letter.

If you plan to stay for more than a year, you should get a phone plan contract because it will save you money in the long run. To get one, you’ll need to show proof of your French address, your French residence permit, and your French bank account information so that you can sign up and set up payments in the future.

Childcare and education

France’s early childhood education and care are both affordable and of high quality thanks to the country’s generous government funding (Do you remember reading our tax guide and thinking the brackets are hard to swallow? This is why.)

Private full-time preschool (crèche or maternelle) averages around €708 per month—though this can range from approximately €400 to €1,200 depending on the city and type of facility. For example, in Paris, private preschool often runs higher, typically between €700–€900 for a 40-hour week. Families usually contribute out of pocket but receive substantial subsidies from the CAF, which brings down net costs enormously, often to below €200 per month.

Public nursery and pre-school (école maternelle) is entirely free, funded through the national education system—an unbeatable option once you’re a resident.

For those considering an international curriculum, tuition fees at international schools in Paris range widely—from around €6,000 to over €30,000 per year, depending on the school and grade level.

Health insurance and medical expenses

France’s healthcare system is renowned for being both thorough and remarkably affordable—but it’s a reimbursement-based model, not entirely free at the point of service. Prices are federally regulated.

• GP consultation: Currently costs €30. After reimbursement by public health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is around €6–7, plus a small €2 “participation forfaitaire”.
• Mutuelle (top-up Insurance): While public health insurance (Assurance Maladie) covers most basic healthcare, many people—especially expats—opt for a mutuelle to cover the remaining costs, dental, vision, and private rooms during hospital stays. Monthly premiums average €40–€80, though prices depend on age, coverage level, and provider.

• Medications: Subsidies range between 15% and 100%, depending on how essential a drug is. Common prescription medications usually cost €5–€10 out of pocket after reimbursement. Those with chronic conditions may receive full coverage.

   

Gym memberships and fitness

Staying active won’t break the bank. Basic gym membership costs around €30/month. You can always just take advantage of Parisian parks and go for a run.

Is France more expensive than other European countries for expats?

France sits in the mid-to-upper range of European living costs. It’s certainly not as cheap as countries like Portugal, Spain, or Greece, but it remains more affordable than the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, or the Nordic nations.

For instance, according to what we’ve uncovered:

• A single person in France typically spends €1,700–€2,500/month. Yes, that’s very broad, but it means France has something for every expat.
• In Portugal, that figure hovers around €1,600/month, while in the UK it exceeds €2,200/month, and even more in London.
• Germany and Belgium tend to have similar or slightly higher day-to-day expenses compared to France.

Having said that, France’s affordable healthcare and great public infrastructure are all very valuable. Cost-to-quality-of-life is often cited as one of the best things about the country by both expats and long-term residents. And retired workers say they live very, very well in France.