Cost of Living in France

Updated: March 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 14.33 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 57.3 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.98 USD, a loaf of bread 1.51 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 3.0 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.61 USD and a monthly pass around 62.08 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 149.7 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 31.73 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 14.12 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 593.54 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 9553.64 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 78.29 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 79.02 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 735.21 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 589.07 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 6193.4 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 4343.49 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 2167.12 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 1.54% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in France

France

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing