Cost of Living in France: Rent, Housing & Income

France is one of the easier countries to misjudge from a headline number, because the Paris region and the rest of the country behave like two different markets. The figures here are national. A one bedroom apartment in Lyon, Bordeaux or a small town in the south will not resemble one in the capital, and a budget built on the averages should be adjusted once you pick a destination.

All numbers come from Numbeo and Livingcost, which rely on contributors, and are converted to US dollars from euros. If you plan to live in the capital specifically, look at Paris listings on their own.

The World Bank's price level ratio for France was 76.6 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 77% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 63,975 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 0.9% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Livingcost lists $1,737/mo including rent and $834/mo excluding it. The same source supplies both rows, so the gap between them is its estimate of the housing share.

Across the country, a one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $613.67 – $1,573.57/mo and outside the centre at $502.09 – $1,198.56/mo. The low end of those ranges comes from smaller cities and towns, and the upper end from Paris and the Riviera.

Larger homes spread even wider. A three bedroom home in a centre is listed at $1,004.19 – $3,402.50/mo, with a typical value of $1,517.13/mo. Outside the centre it is $836.82 – $2,267.79/mo. A typical family looking for space often finds that it opens up sharply once they leave the biggest cities.

Renting in France

French landlords usually ask for a dossier with proof of income, identity documents and often a guarantor. Foreign newcomers without a French employment history can find this the hardest part of the process, and some use guarantee services or a larger deposit. Leases for unfurnished apartments tend to run longer than furnished ones. A licensed local advisor or your own lawyer can explain notice periods and deposit rules.

Utilities for an 85 square meter apartment are listed at $135.49 – $341.42/mo, with a typical value of $215.53/mo. Older buildings with electric heating can run higher.

Public transport passes vary widely because each city sets its own fares. The listed range runs from $33.47/mo to $101.31/mo, with a typical value of $55.79/mo. The top of that range probably reflects the Paris region. Internet is listed at $33.78/mo.

An inexpensive restaurant meal is listed at $11.16 – $27.89 each. A liter of milk shows $1.33 each and a dozen large eggs show $4.25 each. Markets, bakeries and supermarkets all play a part in daily shopping, and many households split their purchases among them.

On these numbers the answer depends on region more than anything else. Outside the capital region, rent drops quickly, while food and bills stay fairly similar across the country. If you are free to choose where to live, comparing three or four cities will reveal more than any national average.

Start from the rent in the city you have in mind. Then add utilities, transit and groceries from the rows above. Put aside money for items outside the estimate, including health coverage, which depends on your status, and any fees tied to your visa. Moving costs, a deposit and basic furnishing arrive in the first month, so keep a cushion for them.

Shopping habits also matter. Fresh food bought at markets or small shops keeps the weekly grocery bill modest. Eating out is a larger line, and many restaurants offer fixed-price lunch menus that cost less than ordering a la carte in the evening.

• Health insurance and out-of-pocket medical costs
• Visa and residence permit fees
• School costs
• Car ownership, insurance and fuel
• Income and local taxes

Rules on visas, residency and tax are specific to nationality and purpose of stay. Use the French government's official immigration site and speak with a licensed tax advisor.