The high standard of living in France is what keeps this country attractive for expats in 2026. Below, you’ll find the latest data on food, rent and transportation prices taken from Numbeo (on March 2nd, 2026).
Average monthly costs
Housing and accommodation
Utilities
Food and dining
Transportation
Leisure and shopping
Practical tips for saving money
FAQ
Average monthly costs: Calculate your total budget
Is it cheap to live in France? Or is it expensive? The answer depends on your starting point. On average, the cost of living in France per month for a single person is 931.4 EUR, excluding rent, while a family of four needs around 3,353.5 EUR.
For Europe, French prices sit right in the middle – they are neither as high as Switzerland nor as low as Portugal, for example. To compare, a single person in Spain can get by on around 712 EUR monthly, approximately 200 EUR less than in France. However, with a wise approach to budget planning, you can lead a comfortable lifestyle anywhere and still have enough for trips across the EU and beyond.
Housing and accommodation: Be ready for huge expenses
Rent is certainly one of the largest monthly expenses. The housing crisis makes it even worse: according to the Ministry of Economics and Finance, one in ten individuals has issues with finding accommodation. However, securing your own place is not impossible. The average rent in France is the following:
Average rent in France
| City centre | Outside of the city centre | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | 771.91 EUR | 599.04 EUR |
| 3 bedrooms | 1,390.66 EUR | 1,075.25 EUR |
One of the most popular ways to cut the rent costs is to share a flat with someone. Many expats are in the same situation as you, so they’re willing to find a roommate to decrease the expenses. To find offers, search on Facebook, expats chats and specialised websites (La Carte des Colocs, Appartager, Studapart, etc).
Investing in your own home may be a wise move if you're confident about your long-term stability. The price per square meter to buy an apartment in a city centre is about 4,948.48 EUR, while in less central areas, it averages 3,313.64 EUR.
Utilities: Control spending and learn to save
Beyond rent, you’ll need to include utilities in your list of living expenses in France:
- Basic utilities (Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² place: 190.40 EUR
- Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data): 30.10 EUR
- Mobile phone plan (with 10+ GB of data): 19.29 EUR
The good thing is that you actually can control your utility expenses. Check our tips:
Food and dining: Eat well without overpaying
Expats often find that while some items are pricier, the quality of even basic supermarket staples is great.
Food costs in France:
| Product | Price, EUR |
|---|---|
| Milk, 1l | 1.17 |
| White rice, 1kg | 2.32 |
| Eggs, 12 | 3.75 |
| Local cheese, 1kg | 17.28 |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | 12.29 |
| Apples, 1kg | 2.80 |
| Bananas, 1kg | 2.08 |
| Potatoes, 1kg | 1.99 |
| Bottled water, 1.5l | 0.69 |
| Onions, 1kg | 2.12 |
Eating out
France is famous for its culinary scene, and dining out can range from a quick bite to a full evening affair.
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 15.00 EUR
- Three-course dinner for two (mid-range): 60.00 EUR
- McMeal at McDonald's: 12.00 EUR
- Domestic beer (0.5l draught): 6.00 EUR
- Cappuccino: 3.35 EUR
Transportation: Get around wisely
France offers various ways to get from point A to point B:
- One-way ticket (Local transport): 2.00-2.50 EUR
- Monthly pass (Adult, all zones): 90.80 EUR
- Gasoline (1l): 1.76 EUR
- Volkswagen Golf 1.4 (or equivalent new car): 30,900.00 EUR
- Taxi (Start, normal tariff): 4.90 EUR
- Taxi (1km, normal tariff): 1.90 EUR
More on the topic: Public transport in France – from schedules to strikes and delays.
Leisure and shopping: Remember to enjoy life
Part of the fun of being an expat is leading the local lifestyle. From joining a gym to catching the latest films, these costs are part of your daily life.
- Fitness club (Monthly fee for 1 adult): 32.52 EUR
- Tennis court rental (1 hour on weekend): 18.65 EUR
- Cinema ticket (International release): 12.00 EUR
- Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar): 88.41 EUR
- Summer dress (in a chain store like Zara): 39.97 EUR
- Running shoes (Nike, mid-range): 92.73 EUR
Practical tips for saving money
Given how expensive it is to live in France, how you manage your money is just as important as how much you earn. Here are some "insider" strategies to help your budget go further.
1. Resist "lifestyle creep"
Hold yourself from spending more the moment you get a raise, receive rewards or gifts. Instead, use these new spare funds to work for you: save, invest, pay more social contributions and do everything possible to secure a more stable future in the EU. Take control of your cost of living in France.
2. Embrace the second-hand culture
Many French people think that buying used stuff is actually a cool thing for someone to do. Getting second-hand furniture and clothes saves you funds, contributes positively to the environment and allows you to find hidden gems not available in fast-fashion chains like Zara and H&M. Check out "Vinted," local "brocantes" (flea markets), or "dépôt-ventes" for items you're looking for.
3. Navigate the tax system early
France has complex tax laws, but there are many benefits for expats. Check if your home country has a "Double Taxation Agreement" with France. Many professionals can also benefit from "impatriate" status, which offers significant tax relief for a few years. It takes time to set up, but the savings can be massive.
4. Master the art of international transfers
One of the most overlooked costs for expats is the fee for sending money abroad. High bank commissions and poor exchange rates can quietly drain your funds. Using a specialised service like Profee can improve your quality of life. Profee offers highly competitive exchange EUR rates and fast, secure transfers to over 90 destinations. Whether you're sending money home to support your family or for personal needs, the service ensures you keep more of your money.
5. Learn the "local secrets"
You don’t need to change your whole budgeting approach to spend money wisely. Sometimes, talking to the locals and finding out their tricks is enough. For instance, you can always ask for a "carafe d'eau" (tap water) in a restaurant for free. "Menu du Midi" offers a full lunch meal for much less than the evening prices. Finally, take advantage of pharmacies and shop loyalty programmes to get more value for your purchases.
FAQ – What is the cost of living in France?
How much salary do you need to live comfortably in France?
In 2026, most expats find that a net monthly salary of 2,600 to 2,800 EUR provides a comfortable lifestyle in most cities. In Paris, you might want to aim closer to 3,500 EUR.
Is 1,500 EUR enough for a month in France?
Yes, but you will need to be mindful of your spending given the current cost of living in France. This budget works well in smaller cities or if you are sharing an apartment, but it would be tight in the centre of Lyon or Bordeaux.
Is healthcare expensive?
While not "free," the French healthcare system is heavily subsidised by the government. Most residents also pay for a small "mutuelle" (private insurance) to cover the remaining costs.
How can I send money from France with Profee?
- Join Profee.
- Add the transfer amount in EUR or the currency of your destination.
- Pick your payment method.
- Enter the recipient’s details.
- Double-check and confirm.
Can I live in France permanently if I buy a house?
No, if you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, property ownership does not entitle you to live permanently in France. In such cases, you must apply for a visa and a resident permit.
