What is the cost of living in France? 2025 guide for expats

Our 2024 British Expat Report revealed that 39% of Brits are thinking about relocating overseas because of the rising cost of living in the UK. One of the most popular choices? France. But how much does it actually cost to live there?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key costs of living, from housing costs to taxes. This should give you a picture of how France 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, by around 1.4% without rent and 10% with rent.

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 €900-€1,500 without rent (€1,500-€2,000 with rent).

Family of four average monthly costs: Around €3,200-€4,400 without rent (€4,400-€5,300 with rent).

Two retirees average monthly costs: Around €2,000-€2,500 without rent (€2,800-€3,800 with rent).

How much are housing costs in France?

As in the UK, 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 34%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 €2,600 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 €4,500 per square metre for apartments and €2,500 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 more rural areas, like Bordeaux or Nantes, house prices are much more affordable and range anywhere from €250,000 to €400,000 for a two-bedroom property.

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

Mortgage rates

Currently, mortgage interest rates in France average around 3.5%, significantly lower than the UK’s 4.5% average.

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

Similarly to 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%. Staples like cheese, wine, and baguettes are more affordable in France, while imported goods tend to be pricier.

A single person will spend on average around €250-€300 monthly, while a family of four will spend around €1,000.

Utility bills and internet

Utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, will on average cost around €150-€200 per month for a standard apartment – notably cheaper than in the UK.

Internet is also generally more affordable that 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 quite similar to those in the UK.

However, one key difference is fuel costs, which tend to be slightly lower, with petrol averaging around €1.80 per litre.

For those relying on public transport, France offers a well-connected and budget-friendly system. In Paris, a monthly metro pass costs approximately €86, compared to around £200 in London. In smaller cities such as Lyon or Marseille, you can expect to pay around €60 for a similar pass.

If you need to travel longer distances, France’s high-speed rail network (TGV) provides an excellent choice. A ticket from Paris to Marseille typically ranges from €70 to €100, depending on how far in advance you book, with similar journeys in the UK easily exceeding £100.

The average French salary

The average salary in France is around €39,000 per year, notably lower than the UK’s £37,500.

Salaries in France vary by region and industry, and offer higher wages in major cities. In major cities like Paris, salaries range from €35,000 to €80,000, whereas in smaller towns earnings may drop to around €25,000. High-paying sectors such as finance, IT and healthcare usually offer higher wages in France, while hospitality and retail sectors often offer lower wages.

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 2025, the tax bands are as follows:

Taxable income (€)	Tax rate (%)
Up to 11,497	0
11,497 to 29,315	11
29,315 to 83,823	30
83,823 to 180,294	41
Over 180,294	45

Under the ‘quotient familial‘ system in France, the total income of a household is divided by the number of people in the household, with each child counting as half a person. This adjusted income is then used to determine the tax rate.

For example, a couple with one child and a combined income of €60,000 would have their income divided by 2.5 (2 adults + 0.5 child), resulting in an adjusted income of €24,000. This lower adjusted income would typically fall into a lower tax bracket, reducing the overall tax liability.

French property taxes

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

Taxe foncière

This is paid by property owners and is calculated based on the property’s estimated rental value and local tax rates. It varies by region but typically falls between 0.5% and 1.5% of the property’s value.

Taxe d’habitation

This was previously paid by both owners and tenants, however, this tax is being phased out for most primary residences (although it still applies to second homes). The tax is determined based on a property’s valeur locative cadastrale (VLC), which represents its estimated rental value.

Capital gains tax

If you sell property in France, you may also need to pay capital gains tax (impôt sur les plus-values). The standard rate is 19%, but additional social chargesof 17.2% apply, bringing the total tax burden to 36.2%.

However, reductions are applied based on the length of ownership, while primary residences are exempt.

Wealth tax (IFI)

France also applies a wealth tax on individuals with property assets exceeding €1.3 million, called IFI (impôt sur la fortune immobilière).

The IFI applies to individuals whose total taxable real estate assets exceed €1.3 million. However, the tax calculation starts from €800,001, meaning that the first €800,000 is exempt from taxation.

As of March 2025, the tax rates are:

Taxable real estate value (€)	Tax rate (%)
Up to 800,000	0
800,001 to 1,300,000	0.5
1,300,001 to 2,570,000	0.7
2,570,001 to 5,000,000	1
5,000,001 to 10,000,000	1.25
Over 10,000,000	1.5

Inheritance tax

In France, inheritance tax (droits de succession) varies depending on the relationship between the deceased and the heir. Children and spouses benefit from significant allowances, while distant relatives or non-relatives may face higher tax rates. Children and siblings also benefit from progressive tax rates.

The tax rates are as follow:

Beneficiary	Tax-free allowance (€)	Tax rate (%)
Spouse	Exempt	N/A
Children	100,000	5-45
Siblings	15,932	35-45
Nephews and nieces	7,967	55
Non-relatives	1,594	60

Health, insurance and education costs in France

Healthcare and insurance

France is renowned for its high-quality healthcare system where residents benefit from universal healthcare which is funded by social security payments.

While a significant portion of medical costs are covered, many residents opt for additional private health insurance, known as ‘mutuelle’, which costs between €30 and €100 per month.

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.

Meanwhile, public universities charge €200-€3,000 per year, which is significantly lower than in the UK (£9,535), although non-EU students may face higher rates.

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, 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 €30 to €50, 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 comparable to 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. Exchange rate fluctuations between the pound and the euro 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 exchange rates can help you avoid unnecessary costs. Banks often charge high fees and offer less competitive rates, whereas specialist currency services provide more cost-effective solutions.

At Currencies Direct, we help expats make the most of their money by offering competitive exchange rates, zero transfer fees, and expert guidance. Whether you need to send regular payments or move large sums for a property purchase, our award-winning service ensures a seamless experience.

Planning your finances carefully can make all the difference when settling into life in France. To find out how we can help, get in touch or create a free account online today.