How much does it cost to live in France? (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to live in France? ›

The cost of living in France is certainly not as cheap as it used to be. The French government advises that a single person will need at least €1,800 euros per month to move to France and live comfortably (and €3,600 euros per month for a couple).

It might be anywhere from INR 70,000 to INR 90,000 per month in Lyon, and the average cost of living in Paris, France, can be anywhere from INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000 per month.

Summary of cost of living in France: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,638.0$ (3,391.5€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,021.9$ (952.7€) without rent. Cost of living in France is, on average, 9.3% lower than in United States.

Cost of living in United States is 21% more expensive than in France.

Check the average budget you would need for each large city in France: Paris: between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR/month (sometimes including the accommodation, if you choose to live in a student hall of residence) Nice: between 900 and 1,400 EUR/month. Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux or Toulouse: between 800 – 1,000 EUR.

Average living costs in France across French cities

If you live in major French cities like Paris or Lyon, your average cost of living in France per month without the rent will be around €950 ($1042) and €900 ($987), respectively.

No, you can only stay in France without a job for up to three months on a tourist visa.

French healthcare costs

Medical treatment and tests are partially paid for by the government, but the patient is responsible for the remaining amount. French state health insurance covers 70–100% of necessary treatments like doctor visits and hospital stays.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie and Hauts-de-France are some of the most affordable regions in France. Whether you're seeking picturesque countryside living or urban adventures, these regions have something for everyone.

According to Numbeo, current average rents across France are: €525–665 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. €965–1,300 a month for a three-bedroom apartment.

Is moving to France worth it? ›

With its rich history, delicious food, strong work-life balance, and supportive expat communities, France offers an opportunity to experience life from a fresh, enriching perspective.

Yes, US citizens can move to France permanently, but there are several legal requirements involved. First, you must apply for your long-stay visa and be sure to renew it every year.

As of 2022 this is around €1,250 net (€1,500 gross) per month, or about €2,000 for a couple. You can show that as a year's income ready in the bank, so around €20,000. Income can be a pension coming in, rental income from the UK, investment income or other financial resources you have.

Proof that you have sufficient financial resources

Normally, individuals who do not hold a passport of an EU-member country, will need to show that they have an annual/monthly income of more than the French minimum wage, which 01 1 January 2024 was €1,766.92 per month (Gross), around €1,400 per month (net).

French people earn USD 45 581 per year on average, below the OECD average of USD 49 165. Another essential factor of employment quality is job security, in terms of expected loss of earnings when someone becomes unemployed.

Yes, US citizens can move to France permanently, but there are several legal requirements involved. First, you must apply for your long-stay visa and be sure to renew it every year. Once you have been in France for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency, or apply for French citizenship through naturalization.

From the world-renowned food and wine to the undeniably strong healthcare system, the advantages of living in France are evident. The standard of living here is something many people dream of, with its emphasis on work-life balance, leisure, and the importance of enjoying the finer things in life.