Understanding the cost of living in France is important if you are looking to live there for a lengthy period of time. Having a clear understanding of the cost of utilities, food, transport and accommodation is essential to having a realistic budget of living costs and being able to plan for living in France.
Costs will vary depending on where you live in France. Whether you rent or buy will also play a big role in budgeting and financial planning when it comes to paying for accommodation. For example, your utility costs will vary on the type and size of the property you are living in and its energy efficiency. France is also well-known for its higher tax rates compared to the UK, so this should be considered also when budgeting for your new life in France.
For these reasons and more, individual circumstances are very important when trying to budget for living in France. You should always think about your current expenses and plan well in advance to ensure you have a realistic and clear budget for when you move. You may even experience unexpected costs, which could significantly impact your budget.
To give you a good indication of the cost of living in France, we have prepared a table showing what you can expect to pay for some of the essential expenses when staying in France. Below you’ll find the average prices for common expenses in both France and the UK:
Expense |
Average Cost in France (£) |
Average Cost in UK (£) |
---|---|---|
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Refuse Collection) |
£185.29 per month |
£243.99 per month |
Gasoline |
£1.52 (1 litre) |
£1.47 (1 litre) |
Internet (60 Mbps) |
£24.65 per month |
£29.29 per month |
Milk |
£0.89 (1 litre) |
£1.30 (1 litre) |
White Bread |
£1.56 (500g) |
£1.22 (500g) |
Eggs |
£3.73 (12) |
£2.69(12) |
Cheese |
£11.17 (1kg) |
£8.28 (1kg) |
Bottle of Wine |
£7.59 |
£8.00 |
Domestic Beer |
£3.02 (0.5 litre) |
£2.51 (0.5 litre) |
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal |
£13.49 |
£15.00 |
3-Course Meal for Two at Mid-Range Restaurant |
£52.71 |
£60.00 |
Monthly Fitness Club Membership |
£27.60 (per adult) |
£26.17 (per adult) |
Cinema Ticket |
£10.12 |
£12.00 |
Single Ticket on Local Transport |
£1.52 |
£2.00 |
Monthly Transport Pass |
£36.14 |
£60.00 |
Rent: Apartment - 1 Bed - City Centre |
£639.63 |
£996.88 |
Rent - Apartment - 1 Bed - Outside City Centre |
£500.16 |
£790.00 |
Rent - Apartment - 3 Bed - City Centre |
£1,213.46 |
£1,772.22 |
Rent - Apartment - 3 Bed - Outside City Centre |
£922.98 |
£1,153.08 |
Table data sourced from numbeo.com, a compilation of 65,000+ self-reported living cost data entries from +7,500 contributors over a period of 18 months. Data correct as of January 2024.
While it is possible to give general estimates of the cost of living in France for specific services and goods, there are many factors that you need to consider when thinking about your own budgeting ahead of living in France. This includes:
Before you move to France, you should make sure you have a clear idea of the factors that will impact your finances and budgeting - having a clear plan will remove stress and make your experience all the more enjoyable!
If you are moving to France, don’t forget to plan your move well in advance. Anglo French Euro Removals have over 30 years of experience helping people move to and from France and the UK. We offer full removals to France and part removal services and we can even pack your items for you ahead of your move! Whether you're looking for a full house removal a cheaper part removal or furniture delivery to France from the UK - our team have the expertise to get the job done.
Want a FREE quote for your move? Head to our free quote page, fill in your information, and we’ll get back to you with an estimated quote for your removal. Alternatively, submit an enquiry to our team, or give us a call on 0203 336 6100 and we’d be happy to discuss your removal in more detail.
Good Evening
I would just like to let you know how delighted I have been with Jay and his not so little helper on Wednesday 25/26th Feb and again this Morning.
I was impressed with their work ethic and attitude. They were polite and helpful and, boy can they pack a van!!
They are a credit to your company and good ambassadors too.
I would recommend Anglo French to any of my friends still out in France/Spain as you completed the task very professionally and efficiently.
Thank you, once again,
Anne Saville, Cornwall
Dear Anglo French Team,
Many thanks to all of you form me and my family which thanks to Nuno and Co are nicely settling in France and despite the stress related to moving a household with young kids, an office and a mother of a lathe it was all made that little bit easier due to you. Many thanks again!
I wish you and the people around you a joyous and lovely Christmas break and all the best for the year ahead of us!
Nikolay, London
Dear Mark
I am writing to say thank you so much for the smooth moving process. From beginning to end you could not have done better. I'd like to put in a complimentary word for the three guys who you sent to load and unload. Service without servility is always the perfect combination. They were all extremely convivial whilst getting on at the same time, meticulously careful with the items being transported and cheery without being "goonish".
Your original quote was handled most efficiently by Jasmine from initlal enquiry through to date setting, payment etc and the quote itself was highly competitive. Your own communication skills were faultless and I felt like I knew exactly what was going on at any one time.
I, quite frankly, cannot fault the service provided, you could not have done better and I am very happy with the price too.
Well done to all the team!
Best wishes for all your future projects.
Di Miller, Kent