How Much Does It Cost to Live Comfortably in France?

Do you have plans to live in France, the country with the iconic Eiffel Tower, delicious food, and an enviable lifestyle?

Living in France, whether for college, work, or just to experience the Parisian vibes, sounds interesting. But before that dream comes true, there is one important thing you must know: how much does it cost to live there?

From the cost of renting a place to live in a big city like Paris to the cost of daily food in small towns, everything needs to be taken into consideration.

Not only that, you also need to know about transportation costs, tips for economical shopping at local markets, and of course, how much you spend on hanging out at cafes or restaurants. This article will help you understand everything you need to prepare for the cost of living in France, complete with tips for saving money so your wallet doesn't break the bank.

Read until the end! Guaranteed you will be more prepared and know what to prepare to experience the exciting life in this fashion country!

How Much Does It Cost to Live in France?

The cost of living in France varies between large cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille and smaller towns. In general, the cost of living in Paris is higher than in other cities. However, these large cities also offer a variety of employment and entertainment opportunities.

Cost of Living in France for Workers

For workers, the cost of living in France can include rent, transportation, food, and insurance. In a big city like Paris, workers can expect to spend around €1,500 to €2,500 per month, depending on their lifestyle. Renting a small apartment in the city center can cost up to €1,200 per month, while in the suburbs it is more affordable.

Cost of Living in France for a Family

For families, the cost of living is higher because it includes the needs of children such as education, health, and other additional costs. The average cost of living for a family with two children in France ranges from €3,000 to €4,500 per month, especially in large cities. In smaller cities, this cost can be lower.

Cost of Living in France for Students

International students studying in France have more economical options, especially if they live in a dormitory or share an apartment. The cost of living for students in a big city like Paris ranges from €800 to €1,500 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other academic needs.

Cost of Living in France 1 Day

Roughly speaking, the cost of living in France can range from €50 to €100 per day, depending on your needs and lifestyle. For a frugal lifestyle, one can expect to spend around €30 to €50 per day living in a small town.

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Daily Expenses

Commodity Costs

The cost of renting and buying property in France varies greatly depending on the location and type of residence. In big cities, renting an apartment is the main choice for many people, while house prices are more affordable in the suburbs or rural areas compared to the city center. Here's a look at the prices:

Location	Rent 1 bedroom flat	3 bedroom flat for rent	Purchase price/m2
Paris	€953,14	€2.130,21	€8.483,33
Lyon	€564,38	€1.105,56	€4.017,00
Montpellier	€593,75	€1.628,57	€4.000,00
Toulouse	€525,00	€1.000,00	€2.933,33

Transportation

France has an excellent public transport network, including metro, buses and high-speed trains. In larger cities, public transport is often the most practical option. If you have a private car, there will be additional costs such as fuel, insurance and parking. Here are some transport options and their costs:

Type of Transportation	Price
A one-way ticket	€1,80
Monthly ticket	€69,40
Taxi (per km)	€1,82
Liter of gasoline	€1,86

Food and Groceries

Grocery prices in France are relatively stable across the board, but shopping at local markets is often cheaper than at the supermarket. Eating out tends to be more expensive in Paris than in other cities. Here’s a price breakdown:

Category	Price
Dining at a restaurant for 2 people	€60
Cappuccino coffee	€2,98
Milk (1 liter)	€1,11
Eggs (12 eggs)	€3,72
A bottle of wine	€7,00

Utilities

Monthly utility bills, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can vary depending on the city and consumption level. In addition, there are additional costs such as internet and mobile phone packages. Here are the estimated costs per month:

Utility Types	Cost/month
Basic (electricity, water, heating)	€172,43
Mobile phone packages	€27,91
Internet	€29,68

Health Services

The French healthcare system is known to be one of the best in the world, with a combination of public and private services (Mutuelle). Mutuelle helps cover costs that are not fully covered by the state health insurance system. As a result, healthcare costs in France are generally very affordable.

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For example, a visit to the doctor usually costs around €25, most of which is reimbursed by state insurance. The French healthcare system is also highly regarded for the quality of the medical staff, the technology of the treatments, and the fast and friendly service.

Cost-Saving Tips for Living in France

1. Choose a Cheaper City, because living in a smaller city like Toulouse or Nantes can save a lot of money compared to Paris.
2. Taking advantage of public transportation, using public transportation is much cheaper than having a private vehicle.
3. Shopping at Traditional Markets, buying fresh groceries at local markets is usually cheaper than at large supermarkets.
4. Share a Residence, for students or workers you can consider sharing an apartment to reduce rental costs.

Cheapest Cities in France

Here are some of the cheapest cities in France that could be an option for those of you who want to live at a more affordable cost compared to big cities like Paris:

Nantes

Nantes is one of the more affordable cities compared to Paris and other major cities in France. Located in the western part of the country, Nantes offers a relatively low cost of living, especially in terms of accommodation and transportation. The city also has plenty of green spaces, renowned universities, and a rich cultural history. For students, the cost of living in Nantes can be easier with its many affordable public facilities.

Lille

Located near the Belgian border, Lille is one of the cheapest cities in northern France. With lower apartment rents and food costs compared to Paris, Lille is a popular choice for international students and workers. Despite the lower cost of living, Lille still has plenty to offer, from Flemish-style architecture to vibrant nightlife.

Toulouse

Toulouse is known as the center of the aerospace industry in Europe, and despite its rapid development, the cost of living in the city is relatively low. Rent in Toulouse is more affordable, and the cost of food and transportation is also not as expensive as other big cities. In addition, the city is very student-friendly with top universities and a dynamic city atmosphere.

Montpellier

Located on the southern coast of France, Montpellier is a city with a sunny atmosphere and a fairly affordable cost of living. With beautiful beaches within easy reach and an active student life, Montpellier offers a lifestyle that is balanced between entertainment and economy. The cost of accommodation, food and transportation in this city is relatively cheap compared to other big cities.

Grenoble

Grenoble is a city surrounded by mountains, known as a favorite destination for nature lovers and winter sports. Despite being a center of research and technology, Grenoble has a relatively low cost of living. Apartment rentals and daily expenses here are quite affordable, and the city has a calm atmosphere and lots of green spaces.

Here is an overview of the cost of living in France for families, students and workers. If you want to do money transfer to france, can use the service Easylink because it has an official license from Bank Indonesia, so sending money to France can be safer, easier and faster. So what are you waiting for? download the application Easylink sekarang dan nikmati kemudahannya!