How high are the costs of living in France? If you are asking yourself this question, it is probably because you are planning to move abroad and want to know how much money you need to plan for yourself or your family. In this guide, Foyer Global Health will cover the following points for you:
- Average cost of living in France
- Rental prices in France
- Budget for shopping
- Transportation costs
- Healthcare and health insurance costs in France
- School costs
- Comparison of the cost of living in France with neighbouring countries.
- Cost of living in several French cities, not just Paris.
Overview of the average cost of living in France in 2024
As a reminder, the official currency in France is the Euro (EUR) and all prices displayed in the country include all taxes and duties (TTC).
In France, the average monthly budget for one person, including rent, is €1,630. For a family of four, this budget is €4,630.
| Services | Average price |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary | €2,530 |
| Average rent for an apartment (one bedroom) in the city centre | Between €760 and €1,400 / month |
| Average purchase price of an apartment per m2 in the city centre | €5,800 |
| Petrol (1L) | €1.80 |
| Telephone flat rate (calls + 10 GB data) | Between €10 and €30 |
| Grocery budget | Among the 5 most expensive countries in Europe |
| Cinema ticket | €12 |
Housing in France
Prices for housing in France vary greatly from city to city. For example, accommodation in Paris or Nice usually requires a larger budget than in Bordeaux or Lille. On average, apartment prices in France in 2024 are as follows:
- One-room apartment in the city centre: €760.
- One-room apartment outside the city centre: €600.
- Price per m2 in the city centre: €5,800.
- Price per m2 outside the city centre: €3,900.
Some additional costs may apply, including:
- Electricity per kWh: €0.2516.
- Gas per kWh: €0.1106
- Co-ownership fees: €100/month
Food budget
The French are known to be gourmets, and this is even reflected in their wallets! According to the latest data from Numbeo, the shopping budget in France accounts on average for 32% of a resident’s monthly expenses in France. Here is a table of typical prices for some basic foodstuffs:
| Food | Average price in France |
| Bread (500 g) | €1.79 |
| Eggs (12 pieces) | €3.79 |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | €12.60 |
| Red meat (1 kg) | €18.80 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | €3.24 |
| Onions (1 kg) | €2.11 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | €2 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | €2 |
| Apples (1 kg) | €2.77 |
| Milk (1 L) | €1.15 |
| Water (1,5 L) | €0.67 |
| Local beer (500ml bottle) | €2.10 |
| Imported beer (330ml bottle) | €2.75 |
For restaurant meals, expect to pay:
- A mid-range meal in a restaurant: €30.
- A burger in a fast-food restaurant: €10.
- A cappuccino: €3.10.
- A soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): €2.80.
Transportation
France’s public transportation network, as well as its road and pedestrian infrastructure, make it possible to live in France and get around easily, even if you don’t have a car.
Metro : Several cities, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse, have metro lines that cost €2.15 per ticket.
Bus : Residents can also travel by bus, both in the city and in the surrounding area, with a trip in the city costing an average of €1.80.
Train : The SNCF (Société nationale des chemins de fer français) offers a large rail network for intercity travel, with an average fare of €45 depending on the distance between destinations.
Car : Finally, motorists can choose to travel by car, with fuel costing €1.90 per liter. Tolls for using the motorways average €0.13 per kilometre. Le système de santé en France.
The healthcare system in France
We give you an idea of the average prices of certain medical services in France:
| Medical services | Prix moyen en France actuel |
| Consultation with a general practitioner | €26.50 (€30 from December 22, 2024) |
| Consultation with a paediatrician | €38.50 (€39 from December 22, 2024) |
| Consultation with a gynaecologist | €33.50 (€37 from December 22, 2024) |
| Consultation with a neurologist | €51.70 (€57 from December 22, 2024) |
According to the latest figures, the annual price for healthcare in France amounts to €3,475 per capita.
The French healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in Europe. In addition to the statutory health insurance, most residents usually take out supplementary insurance. Expats are advised to take out international health insurance, as this ensures the following:
- Avoiding significant waiting times
- Being able to choose your doctor or healthcare facility
- Choosing insurance coverage tailored to your needs
- Being protected in France and when traveling abroad
Education in France
To give you an idea of how much money you will need to spend on education, here are the average school fees in France for a child in a private institution with a state contract:
- Registration fee: €400.
- Preschool and primary school: €800.
- College (secondary school): €1,200.
- High school: €1,200.
Private schools without a contract charge higher fees, ranging from €2,000 to €16,000 per year per child. Regarding higher education, the average costs are as follows:
- Degree from a public university: between €170 and €500 per year.
- Degree from a private institution (business school, private faculty…): between €6,000 and €18,000 per year.
Telecommunications services
You should expect to incur the following costs for telecommunications services:
- Mobile phone plan (calls and 10 GB of data): between €10 and €32
- Monthly internet plan (60 Mbps and unlimited data): between €20 and €40
Leisure activities in France
From its cultural heritage and unique historical sites to its natural landscapes that offer unforgettable excursions and lively neighbourhoods, there is no room for boredom in the French way of life.
- Gym membership: €30
- Museum admission: between €6 and €10, but many museums, especially in Paris, are free; free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month.
- Bowling: an average of €12 per hour.
- Visit to the Palace of Versailles: €21.
- Visit to the Château de Chambord: €16.
- Exploring the Dune du Pilat: a €7 four-hour discovery rate.
Cost of living in France by city
Here is a comparative table of various elements of the cost of living in France in different cities:
| Paris | Marseille | Lyon | Nice | Strasbourg | |
| Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre | €1,300 | €750 | €900 | €1,000 | €675 |
| Purchase price per m2 | Between €7,500 and €15,000 | Between €2,500 and €7,350 | Between €4,000 and €6,500 | Between €3,400 and €9,000 | Between €3,000 and €5,500 |
| Monthly service charges (electricity, heating, air conditioning, water,) | €225 | €165 | €215 | €240 | €260 |
| Public transportation, one-way (local transport) | 2,15€ | 1,80€ | 2€ | 1,70€ | 1,90€ |
| Meal for two at a restaurant | €70 | €60 | €60 | €60 | €65 |
Cost of living in France vs. the UK
The cost of living in France is about 10% lower than in some neighbouring countries such as the UK. This difference is mainly due to housing costs, which are higher in the UK. Here are some examples for comparison:
- One-room apartment in the city centre in France: €760.
- One-room apartment in the city centre in the UK: 1,250€.
Cost of living in France vs. Germany
The cost of living in France and Germany is about the same, possibly a little higher in Germany. While the average monthly budget for a single person in France is €1,630, in Germany it is €1,770.
Cost of living in France vs. Switzerland
$Compared to France, the cost of living in Switzerland is 45% higher. This difference can be explained by the fact that although Switzerland ranks first among the countries with the highest cost of living, the average salary is significantly higher (almost €5,600 gross per month).