Cost of Living in France

If you've ever considered moving to France, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in France?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in France and whether the reported $2270 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $2167.12.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
France
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

14.33 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

57.3 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

9.07 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

5.73 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

4.78 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.78 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.54 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.72 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.98 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.51 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.86 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

3.0 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

15.2 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

10.06 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

17.45 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.51 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.83 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.4 $

Tomato (1 lb)

2.87 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.68 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.89 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.12 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.69 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

6.69 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.92 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.35 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

9.55 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.61 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

62.08 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

2.39 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.72 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

24.07 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.9 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

23160.55 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

23744.22 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

149.7 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.15 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

28.1 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

31.73 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

14.12 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

10.03 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

593.54 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

9553.64 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

78.29 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

34.06 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

79.02 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

106.37 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

735.21 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

589.07 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1548.57 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1101.13 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

6193.4 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

4343.49 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

2167.12 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

1.54 %

France

How Safe Is France for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in France

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

France is very safe to travel to. There is the heightened risk of pickpockets and scammers, though, and you should remain vigilant for any suspicious activities since this country has been targeted by terrorists many times. However, if you apply basic precaution rules, that should minimize the risk of something going wrong.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transportation and taxis are generally safe and reliable in France, though there are many pickpockets in Parisian subway, and in other forms of public transport. Taxis are usually your safest bet.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

As in any European top destination, there are pickpockets at popular tourist landmarks in France. They are your biggest worry when traveling to this country. Follow your common sense and remain vigilant at all times, especially in public transportation and at crowded stations.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There is no particular threat of natural disasters in France, except for the threats from avalanches that can be a considerable risk when going skiing in the Alps.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

There are low chances of getting mugged or kidnapped in this country, although it is advised to remain cautious and avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and areas. If you find yourself in such a situation, hand over your belongings immediately.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Since this country has been targeted by terrorists numerous times, (as well as some countries near France, such as Denmark or Belgium) there is reason to believe that this country can be targeted again. This is why it is important to remain aware of your surroundings at all times, and report any suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

As in any country, especially a top tourist destination, there is risk of getting scammed. In France, Paris and Marseilles are especially notorious for being scam hot-spots. Be wary of people trying to distract you or offering you unwanted help, check your change twice and always negotiate every service beforehand.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

France is very safe to travel to, if you are a female traveling solo. Apart from a few general precaution rules you should apply, such as not walking alone in poorly lit and deserted areas, not finding yourself in strange company at night, etc, you can relax because France is very safe in this respect.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa in order to enter France, for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might need to acquire a visa. EU nationals can stay (and work) in France for as long as they like. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Euro is the official currency for France and most of Europe. You can find ATMs at every airport, most train stations and on every other street corner in all towns and cities. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The weather in France is generally cold in winter and mild in summer, though along the French Riviera you can expect mild winters and hot summers, and this applies to the South West of France, too. Along the Rhône Valley you can experience wind known as the mistral and its strong, cold and dry force. In Paris, July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 20°C and the coldest is January with temperatures as low as 5°C.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, sometimes referred to as Roissy Airport, is the largest international airport in France. It is located about 25 km to the northeast of Paris. Other large airports in France are in Nice, Lyon and Marseille.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to France, since it covers not only medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in France with other countries

Cost of living in countries