What is the cost of living in France? 2026 guide for expats

The rising cost of living in recent years has led many Brits to consider relocating abroad. France is a popular choice for British expats, but is the cost of living in France really much better than in the UK?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key costs of living in France, from housing costs to taxes. This should give you a picture of how the country compares to the UK and what to budget for if you’re planning on making the move.

A summary of the cost of living in France per month

Generally the cost of living in France is cheaper than in the UK, once you take housing into account.

Without rent, the cost of living is roughly the same. Including rent, the cost of living is around 8% lower in France than in the UK.

Meanwhile, French property prices and European interest rates tend to be lower than in the UK.

However, there are some areas where France is more expensive than the UK, and there are interesting differences in tax laws too.

Here’s a quick overview of the key costs for a single person, a family of four, and two retirees:

• Single person average monthly costs: Around €930 (£810) without rent, and around €1,500 (£1,310) with rent.

• Family of four average monthly costs: Around €3,350 (£2,915) without rent, and around €4,350 (£3,709) with rent.

• Two retirees average monthly costs: Around €2,000 (£1,740) without rent, and around €3,200 (£2,790) with rent.

Of course these are the average costs, and they can vary significantly depending on location and lifestyle.

How much are housing costs in France?

Housing is generally cheaper in France than in the UK, both if renting or buying a home. However, housing costs in France vary based on location. The country’s capital, Paris, is notably expensive, while smaller towns offer more affordable options.

Here are some examples of how much you could expect to pay:

Renting

Overall, rent in France is on average around 30% lower than in the UK.

In major cities, rent is notably higher than elsewhere in the country. A two-bedroom apartment in Paris costs on average around €2,800 per month, while Lyon or Marseille offer lower prices starting around €1,300.

In smaller towns across France, rental prices tend to be significantly lower than in major cities. On average, monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from €500 to €800, while a two-bedroom house can cost anywhere from €700 to €1,100, depending on the location and property condition. These areas offer more affordable living options, particularly for those looking to escape the high costs of urban centres.

Buying property

Purchasing property in France averages around €4,150 per square metre for apartments and €2,315 for houses. However, buying a home in a city like Paris can cost you far more, with the average price per square metre at around €11,000.

In regional cities such as Bordeaux or Nantes, property prices are generally lower than in Paris. Depending on location, size and condition, a two-bedroom home in these cities typically falls in the €250,000 to €400,000 range, with central districts commanding higher prices than outer suburbs.

In contrast, properties in smaller towns and rural areas can be significantly cheaper, particularly in regions with lower demand.

Find out more about the costs of buying property in France.

Mortgage rates

Currently, mortgage interest rates in France average around the low-to-mid 3% range for long-term fixed rates. In the UK, two- and five-year fixed term mortgage rates tend to average between 4% and 4.5%.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that French lenders might charge higher interest rates for foreign buyers to offset the perceived risk of lending to a non-French resident. Learn more about French mortgage options for UK residents.

Everyday living costs in France

Just like in the UK, the costs of living in France are generally based on where you choose to settle and the kind of lifestyle you want to maintain. In many parts of France, day-to-day expenses are generally lower than in the UK, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Groceries and household essentials

Groceries in France tend to be more expensive than in the UK, by around 16.6%. Staples like cheese, wine, and baguettes are more affordable in France, while imported goods tend to be pricier.

Grocery spending in France varies widely depending on location, shopping habits and dietary preferences. As a rough estimate, a single person might typically budget around €250 to €350 per month, while a family of four could expect to spend roughly €800 to €1,200 per month on groceries and household essentials.

Utility bills and internet

Utilities – including electricity, water and gas – on average cost around €190 per month for a standard apartment, which is notably cheaper than in the UK.

Internet is also generally more affordable than in the UK, with packages averaging at €30 per month, but mobile plans tend to be more expensive.

Transport and fuel

If you’re considering owning a vehicle, car prices in France are slightly lower than those in the UK. However, fuel costs tend to be slightly higher.

For those relying on public transport, France offers a well-connected and relatively affordable system. In Paris, a monthly Navigo pass (which allows unlimited metro, RER, tram and bus travel across the entire Île-de-France region) costs approximately €90.80, compared to around £200 for a London zones 1-6 Travelcard.

In smaller cities such as Lyon or Marseille, you can expect to pay roughly €55 to €65 per month for a similar local transport pass, depending on the network and coverage.

If you need to travel longer distances, France’s high-speed rail network (TGV) provides an excellent option. A ticket from Paris to Marseille typically ranges from around €30 to €100 or more, depending on how far in advance you book and the service type, while comparable long-distance rail journeys in the UK can easily exceed £100 if purchased close to departure.

The average French salary

The average salary in France is around €42,800 (£37,300) per year, roughly the same as the UK's average of around £37,500.

As in the UK, salaries in France vary by region and industry, and offer higher wages in major cities.

How much tax do you pay in France?

France has a complex tax system, particularly for expats, so it’s important to understand the various taxes you may be liable for. These include:

Income tax

France has a progressive income tax system with rates based on annual household earnings, rather than individual earnings. As at February 2026, the tax bands are as follows:

France uses a system called the quotient familial, which adjusts income tax based on the size of your household. Instead of taxing the full household income as one lump sum, the system divides it into ‘shares’ depending on how many people are in the family. A single person counts as one share, while a married or civil-partnered couple counts as two. The first two children each add half a share, and from the third child onward each adds a full share.

Your total income is divided by the number of shares, and tax is calculated on that smaller amount. The final tax bill is then adjusted back to reflect the whole household.

For example, a couple with one child earning €60,000 would divide their income by 2.5 shares (2 for the adults and 0.5 for the child), giving €24,000. Because tax is calculated on €24,000 rather than €60,000, the family may fall into a lower tax band and pay less overall tax than they would if the income were taxed without this adjustment.

French property taxes

If you own property in France, you may be subject to two types of local property taxes:

Taxe foncière

This is an annual property tax paid by owners. While it varies by location, it often works out at roughly 0.5% to 1.5% of the property’s market value as a broad guide.

Taxe d'habitation

This was previously paid by occupants (owners or tenants), but it has now been abolished for primary residences. It still applies to second homes and some vacant properties.

Capital gains tax

If you sell property in France at a profit you may need to pay capital gains tax (impôt sur les plus-values). The taxable gain is subject to 19% income tax plus 17.2% social charges, giving a combined rate of about 36.2% in most cases.

Reductions to the taxable gain are granted based on how long you’ve owned the property, and your main residence is generally exempt from this tax.

Wealth tax (IFI)

France also applies a wealth tax, called IFI (impôt sur la fortune immobilière), to individuals whose total taxable real estate assets exceed €1.3 million.

The tax calculation starts from €800,001, meaning that the first €800,000 of the €1.3 million is exempt from taxation.

As of February 2026, the tax rates are:

Inheritance tax

In France, inheritance tax (droits de succession) varies depending on the relationship between the deceased and the heir.

Spouse/civil partner

• Tax-free allowance: Unlimited

• Tax rate: Fully exempt

Children (and parents)

• Tax-free allowance: €100,000 per child (per parent)

• Tax rate: Progressive scale from 5% to 45%

• The €100,000 allowance resets every 15 years for gifts.

Siblings

• Tax-free allowance: €15,932

• Tax rate: 35% up to €24,430, then 45% above that

Nephews and nieces

• Tax-free allowance: €7,967

• Tax rate: 55%

Non-relatives (or distant relatives beyond 4th degree)

• Tax-free allowance: €1,594

• Tax rate: 60%

Health, insurance and education costs in France

Healthcare and insurance

France is known for its high-quality healthcare system, where residents benefit from universal coverage funded through social security contributions and taxation.

While a large share of medical costs is reimbursed by the public system, patients are often responsible for a portion of the bill. As a result, many residents take out additional private health insurance, known as a ‘mutuelle’, which typically costs between €30 and €100 per month depending on age and level of cover.

Education and childcare

Like the UK, public education in France is also free and of high quality, while private schooling options are also available, with annual fees ranging significantly depending on the school. Provincial private schools under contract (sous contrat) charge as little as €1,000 a year, while some renowned international schools charge upwards of €30,000.

Childcare costs can vary in France. Public nurseries tend to offer affordable rates based on family income, while private daycare centres can charge anywhere between €600 and €1,000 per month.

Public university tuition fees are relatively low by international standards, generally ranging from around €170 to €400 per year for EU students, although non-EU students may pay between roughly €2,700 and €3,800 annually. This remains significantly lower than tuition fees in England, which are capped at £9,250 per year.

Entertainment and leisure costs

Eating out and entertainment

Dining out in France offers good value for money, especially outside of tourist hotspots. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around €60 (£52), compared to £65 in the UK.

Cinema tickets are priced around €12, similar to the UK, while theatre and concert tickets vary based on the venue and performance.

Fitness and leisure

Monthly gym memberships in France average around €32, making them slightly cheaper than in the UK.

However, outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, are popular and often free, given the country's diverse landscape.

Clothing and personal care

Being a fashion hub, France offers a wide range of clothing options. However, prices at popular retailers are tend to be slightly higher than those in the UK. Nevertheless, French brands like Lacoste and Sandro are often more affordable locally.

Personal care services, like visiting a salon for a haircut, average €25 to €50, depending on the city and establishment, making them a cheaper option than in the UK.

Currency exchange and other considerations

For expats moving to France, currency exchange is an important financial consideration that can directly impact the cost of living. Fluctuations in the pound to euro exchange rate can affect everything from property costs to daily expenses, making it essential to factor FX into your budget.

If you rely on transferring money from the UK – whether for a property purchase, pension payments, or ongoing expenses – understanding the best ways to manage your transfers can help you avoid unnecessary costs and get the most from your money.

Banks often charge high fees and offer less competitive rates, whereas specialist currency services provide more cost-effective solutions and a wider range of tools.

If you're transferring a large sum overseas, getting a good exchange rate can have a significant impact on how much money you receive. Planning your transfer in advance, using tools like forward contracts, and seeking expert guidance are all good ways to get the best exchange rates.

When regularly transferring money abroad, constant shifts in the exchange rate can affect how far your money goes and have an impact on the cost of living. How you manage this depends on how much and how frequently you need to transfer, but a good currency broker will be able to understand your needs and tailor their services to fit you.

If you want to find out more about how Currencies Direct can help you plan your transfers and get the most from your money, get in touch. You can also create a free account online in minutes, and start sending money or talk things through with a friendly currency expert.

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