Is Living in France Expensive? Discover the True Costs of Living in France

France, the land of wine, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is a popular destination for Dutch people considering moving abroad. But what about the actual cost of living in France? In this blog, we dive deep into the costs of housing, groceries, transportation, and entertainment in various French regions and cities. This will give you a complete picture of what to expect.

Why France?

France attracts many people due to its combination of natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse living environments. Some reasons why people love living in France are:

• Stunning Nature: From the French Riviera to the Alps, France offers an unparalleled variety of landscapes.
• Rich Culture: France is renowned for its rich culture, art, and history, with numerous museums, theaters, and historical sites.
• Climate: The climate varies greatly by region, from Mediterranean on the southern coast to temperate in the north, ensuring a perfect spot for everyone.
• Lifestyle: The French lifestyle, with an emphasis on good food, wine, and a relaxed pace of life, is very appealing.

Living in France

The cost of housing in France can vary significantly depending on the location. Let's look at rental and purchase prices in different cities and regions.

• Paris: In the capital, Paris, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €1,200 per month, while a similar apartment outside the center costs around €850 per month. Purchase prices in the center are around €11,000 per square meter, and about €8,000 per square meter outside the center.
• Lyon: In Lyon, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about €750 per month and €550 per month outside the center. Purchase prices are around €6,000 per square meter in the center and €4,500 per square meter outside the center.
• Marseille: In Marseille, a major port city on the Mediterranean, a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about €700 per month and €500 per month outside the center. Purchase prices are around €3,500 per square meter in the center and €2,500 outside the center.
• Toulouse: This city, known for its aerospace industry, offers rental prices of €650 in the center and €500 outside the center. Purchase prices are about €4,000 per square meter in the center and €3,000 outside the center.

Additionally, there are popular vacation areas that are also attractive for living:

• Provence: Known for its beautiful landscapes and lavender fields, with rental prices around €800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and purchase prices of about €3,000 per square meter.
• French Riviera: Popular with expats and vacationers, with higher costs. Rental prices are around €1,000 per month and purchase prices around €7,000 per square meter in cities like Nice and Cannes.
• Brittany: A quieter region with stunning coastlines, where rental prices are around €600 per month and purchase prices are about €2,500 per square meter.
• Alsace: Known for its picturesque villages and vineyards, with rental prices around €650 per month and purchase prices of about €3,000 per square meter.

Example: Suppose you want to buy a 70m² apartment in the center of Toulouse. At €4,000 per square meter, the total cost would be €280,000.

Daily Groceries

The cost of groceries in France can vary, but is generally slightly higher than in the Netherlands. Local markets and supermarkets offer a wide range of fresh products.

• Grocery List: A liter of milk costs about €1, a loaf of bread around €1.30, and a kilogram of chicken breast about €10.
• Fresh Market Produce: At local markets, a kilogram of tomatoes costs about €2.50 and apples around €2 per kilogram.

Transportation

Public transportation in France is well-developed and relatively affordable, especially in the larger cities.

• Public Transport: In Paris, a monthly public transport pass costs about €75, while in Lyon it is around €65.
• Car Ownership: Petrol prices are slightly lower than in the Netherlands, about €1.60 per liter. However, owning a car can be expensive due to additional costs such as insurance and maintenance.

Dining Out and Entertainment

Dining out and entertainment in France are very diverse, with options ranging from affordable to very luxurious.

• Restaurants: A meal in an average restaurant costs about €15, while a three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant is around €60.
• Leisure Activities: A cinema ticket costs about €10, and a gym membership around €30 per month.

Example: Enjoy a dinner at a cozy bistro in the center of Lyon for just €20 per person.

Quality of Life

The quality of life in France is high, thanks to the excellent healthcare system, good education, and rich culture.

• Safety: France is generally a safe country to live in, although safety can vary by region.
• Healthcare: Healthcare in France is of high quality and accessible to everyone. A consultation with a general practitioner costs about €25, while a visit to a specialist costs around €50. Dentist visits average around €40 per consultation.
• Education: Public education is free and of good quality. Additionally, there are many international schools available for expat children.

Real Estate Market

Trends and Prospects of the French Real Estate Market:

• Current Trends: The real estate market in France is stable, with a slight increase in prices, especially in major cities and popular tourist areas.
• Future Expectations: Property prices in major cities are expected to continue rising, while prices in rural areas remain stable or even slightly decline.
• Investment Opportunities: There are plenty of investment opportunities, especially in emerging regions like Provence and Brittany, where prices are still lower but have growth potential.

Comparing Cost of Living

Cost of Living Comparison:

• Netherlands vs. France: In general, the cost of living in France is comparable to that in the Netherlands, although certain expenses, such as housing and groceries, can be slightly higher. According to the Numbeo index, the cost of living in France is about 10% higher than in the Netherlands.
• Other Expat Destinations: Compared to other popular expat destinations such as Spain and Italy, France offers a similar cost of living, with higher costs in major cities but lower costs in rural areas.

Taxes in France

If you're considering moving to France, it's important to be aware of the taxes you can expect.

• Income Tax: France has a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 45%, depending on your income.
• VAT (Value Added Tax): The standard VAT rate in France is 20%, with reduced rates of 10% for certain goods and services, and 5.5% for essentials like food and books.
• Property Tax: When purchasing property, you pay a one-time transfer tax of about 7% of the purchase price, depending on the region.

Example: Suppose you have an annual salary of €50,000. The first €10,064 is tax-free, the next €27,794 is taxed at 11%, the next €7,839 at 30%, and the remaining €4,303 at 41%. This means you pay a total of about €8,223 in income tax. When buying a property worth €200,000, you also pay about €14,000 in transfer tax.

Checklist for Moving to France

For those considering moving to France, it is important to be well-prepared. Here is a handy checklist to ensure a smooth relocation:

1. Documents and Visa: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including a passport, visa, and possibly a work permit.
2. Housing: Find and arrange accommodation before moving. Consider temporary housing for the first few weeks.
3. Healthcare: Register for public healthcare or take out private health insurance.
4. Banking: Open a local bank account to make daily financial management easier.
5. Language Skills: Although many French people speak English, it's useful to have basic knowledge of French.
6. Networking: Join expat groups and local communities to integrate faster.
7. Education: Find suitable schools if you have children. Look into international schools if necessary.
8. Insurance: Take out the necessary insurance, such as for home, car, and health.
9. Transportation: Arrange transportation, whether it's importing your own car or buying a new one in France.
10. Cost Planning: Create a detailed budget for the first few months to cover unexpected expenses.

Conclusion

Living in France can be more expensive than in the Netherlands, depending on your lifestyle and location. With higher costs for housing and groceries in major cities, France still offers an attractive option for those looking for a new place to live or invest. The high quality of life and dynamic real estate market make France an interesting destination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is healthcare in France expensive? No, healthcare in France is relatively affordable. Both public and private healthcare options are available, with private care often costing less than in the Netherlands.

How are taxes in France? France has a progressive tax system, similar to many European countries. Tax rates range from 0% to 45%, depending on your income.

What are the education costs in France? Public education is free, while private education varies in cost. Universities have relatively low tuition fees compared to the Netherlands.

Is it easy to find work in France? It can vary depending on your sector and skills. Certain sectors like tourism and IT offer more opportunities for foreigners.