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Understanding the cost of living in France is essential for anyone planning to move or already living there. France attracts expats and professionals with strong public services, a reliable social security system, and access to high-quality healthcare and education. Lifestyle and long-term stability are often major draws.
This guide breaks down the cost of living in France by city, covering key expenses such as rent, utilities, transportation, food, and taxes. Costs vary significantly between Paris, regional cities, and smaller towns, making location one of the biggest factors in overall affordability.
While France is generally more expensive than Portugal or Spain, it remains more affordable than cities like London or New York. On average, a single person’s monthly expenses in France, excluding rent, are estimated at around €950, though real costs depend heavily on lifestyle and location.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how salaries, taxes, and everyday expenses compare across France, making it easier to plan a realistic budget.
Table of Contents
Housing Costs: The Primary Budget Factor
When analyzing the cost of living in France, housing stands out as the single largest variable. It is the factor that most dramatically separates urban and regional lifestyles. Whether you’re an expat relocating for work or a family planning long-term residence, your rent or mortgage will define much of your monthly budget.
Cost of Living in Paris (Housing):
Unsurprisingly, Paris remains the most popular city in the country, but that also comes with being the most expensive city for housing. Central districts command some of the highest rents in Europe:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre): ~€1,200 to €2,000/month
- 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre): ~€1,400 to €3,000/month
Even so, the average rent in Paris is over 40% lower than in London, making it relatively competitive among global capitals.
Cost of Living in Other Major Cities (Housing):
Moving outside the capital can lead to significant savings. Cities like Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nice offer a much more balanced cost of housing in France without compromising on excellent amenities and quality of life:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre, Marseille/Bordeaux): ~€600 to €700/month
Property Prices (Buying Costs):
For those considering home ownership, the contrast is even sharper. In Paris, the average price per square meter exceeds €10,800/m², while in Lyon it’s typically less than half that, reflecting the sharp regional divide between France’s economic and lifestyle hubs.
Overall, choosing the right city has a greater impact on your housing budget than almost any other factor in determining your total cost of living in France.
Daily Expenses and Utility (The Contained Costs)
Once housing is accounted for, most other average living expenses in France are moderate and predictable. This comes as a result of France’s strong infrastructure and state-subsidized systems. For expats and professionals, this means that while rent may stretch your budget, daily life often remains surprisingly affordable.
Utilities:
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, and garbage) cost around €183 on average each month for an 85m² apartment. Electricity and fuel are relatively expensive in France, but good insulation in most newer buildings helps offset heating costs.
Internet and Mobile:
Digital connectivity is both widespread and inexpensive. A high-speed internet plan averages €29.50/month, and mobile packages are competitively priced compared to other EU countries.
Transportation:
The public transport system in France is excellent. The network covers metro systems, regional trains, and buses. A monthly transport pass costs about €65 on average nationwide, though many employers are legally required to reimburse at least 50% of this cost, which comes as a major financial relief for commuters.
Groceries (Cost of Food in France):
The cost of food in France remains manageable, especially for those who shop locally. Bread, cheese, and even wine are often much cheaper than in Northern Europe or the US. A single person typically spends around €300 per month on groceries, enjoying both quality and affordability.
Dining Out:
In short, outside of rent, most day-to-day costs are contained and stable, making the overall cost of living in France sustainable for both locals and expats.
Salaries, Taxes, and Budgeting for Expats
Understanding income and taxation is key to assessing the real cost of living in France, especially for expats balancing salary expectations with lifestyle goals.
Average Pay in France:
The average pay in France is estimated at €2,862 per month (net) in 2025 for the private sector. While this compares favorably with neighboring Southern European countries, it’s still notably lower than average earnings in the US, UK, or Northern Europe. For international professionals relocating to France, salary negotiations should take into account not only gross income but also deductions and local benefits.
Tax Wedge and High-Income Considerations:
France is known for its progressive taxation system, with one of the highest top personal income tax rates in Europe at 55.4%. However, this rate affects only top earners, and most residents fall within moderate brackets. Still, expats with significant foreign income or high salaries should consult a tax advisor to understand their liability and any applicable bilateral tax treaties.
Social Benefits – The Real Offset:
- Healthcare: France’s public healthcare system is heavily subsidized. Most residents pay only small co-payments for consultations or prescriptions, and optional mutuelle (private top-up insurance) costs around €30–€60 per month.
- Childcare: Public childcare and education are also heavily subsidized. The cost of private preschools average €687/month, but public crèches offer excellent care at a fraction of the cost based on income.
Budgeting and Income Rules:
When creating a budget for life in France, it’s crucial to meet the standard 3x income rule required by most landlords. For example, to rent an apartment at €1,000/month, tenants must show a minimum net income of €3,000. Expats relying on foreign income should prepare additional documentation (e.g., contracts, bank statements) to meet these verification requirements.
If you’re planning a move and want to understand the full process, from visa applications right through to residency options, you can learn more through our French immigration services page.
Sample Monthly Budget (Single Person)
To truly understand the cost of living in France, we have put together a sample monthly budget. This reflects what a budget may look like for a single person living outside of central Paris, in cities such as Lyon, Nice, or Bordeaux. These estimates assume a moderate lifestyle, cooking at home most of the time, occasional dining out, and using public transportation.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (€) | Notes |
| Rent (Outside Centre) | €600 – €950 | Based on typical one-bedroom apartments in regional cities such as Lyon, Nice, or Bordeaux. |
| Groceries (Food) | €300 | Assuming frequent home cooking and limited dining out. |
| Utilities & Internet | €215 | Includes electricity, gas, water, and a broadband internet plan. |
| Transport (Monthly Pass – Subsidized) | €40 | Many employers cover 50% of transport costs. The total pass usually €70–€80 before subsidy. |
| Leisure & Dining Out | €250 | Includes gym, cafés, and a few affordable restaurant meals. |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost | €1,405 – €1,755 | Excluding savings, healthcare add-ons, and travel. |
This breakdown illustrates that living comfortably in France (outside Paris’s high-cost zones) is possible on a net monthly income of €2,000–€2,500. While housing remains the largest expense, public transport subsidies, affordable groceries, and strong public services help maintain a balanced quality of life for single expats.
Need Help Moving to France?
France’s cost of living is driven mainly by housing prices in major cities like Paris, but beyond rent, daily expenses remain manageable. While income taxes and social charges are among Europe’s highest, they are balanced by exceptional public healthcare, education, and quality of life. For many expats, the true return on investment lies in the French lifestyle, namely its culture, cuisine, and work-life balance.
If you’re planning to relocate to France, fill out the form below. One of our French immigration experts will be in touch to help you assess your options!