Does it Really Cost Half as Much to Live in France?

We tell every client considering moving to France that it’s going to cost about one-half of what it costs in the U.S. to live here. Ask any of our retirees who have moved over, and they will concur—this is basically true.

I’ve been in Maui for the last two weeks, and depending on lifestyle, Maui is 30–60% more expensive than the mainland U.S.! So, imagine my sticker shock.

Based on widely accepted indexes (Numbeo, OECD, INSEE), plus real-world expat budgeting—which is often more accurate than raw data—France wins when it comes to housing costs. Outside Paris, housing costs are 30–50% lower than in most major U.S. cities. In Paris, rent is comparable to Chicago/Seattle, far cheaper than NYC, L.A., San Francisco, Boston, while more expensive than Houston or Phoenix.

Typical rents:

• Nice: 1,200€–1,700€ for a 1bedroom
• Paris: 1,500€–2,200€ for a 1bedroom
• U.S. urban equivalent: $2,000–$3,500 (higher in big cities)

When buying real estate:

• France: stable prices, no property tax shocks
• U.S.: more volatility, higher insurance, higher property taxes (about 10 times higher!)

When it comes to groceries and daily food, France wins again—significantly cheaper and higher quality. Produce is 20–40% cheaper, cheese, bread, and wine is 30–60% cheaper, meat and seafood are similar or slightly cheaper, coffee and basic staples are similar, but processed foods and U.S.-style convenience items are more expensive in France (we don’t need those, anyway!). For example, a week of groceries for one in France is 45€–75€, while the U.S. equivalent is $75–$130.

How about restaurants and dining out? It’s almost impossible to have a lunch in Maui for less than $50 or $60 a person, even at the food trucks! That’s with tax and tip, of course, since one is expected to tip 20%. In France, the tip is included, as is the tax, and I normally spend half that amount. The official figures claim that a proper sit-down meal (entrée + plat + wine) in France is often 40–50% less than in major U.S. cities. This is why I can afford to dine out twice a day! However, casual dining and fast food are cheaper in the U.S., but is that what you want? McDonald’s?

Transportation? France wins (by a huge margin). Public transport is 60–80% cheaper. Gasoline is more expensive (about $7–8 per gallon), but owning a car is far cheaper in the U.S. In most French cities, you won’t even need or want one. The average annual cost of car ownership in the U.S.—factoring in fuel, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, registration, etc.—is approximately $11,500 to $12,200 per year! If you don’t need a car in France, you save thousands each year. Taxis and Ubers are about the same prince, but train travel in France is extremely cheap compared to U.S. rail options and with a senior discount, even 30% cheaper!

Let’s talk about healthcare. France wins—dramatically. Universal health care offers very high quality at a very low cost. Doctor visits average 25€–50€. An ER visit is often under 100€. Prescription drugs are 50–80% cheaper! Supplemental insurance (“mutuelle”) is only 60€–150€/month and there are no $5,000–$10,000 deductibles like in U.S. For most Americans, healthcare is one of the biggest savings in France.

Utilities costs are mixed—but similar overall. Electricity in France is slightly more expensive, but usage is a lot lower thanks to energy-efficient appliances. Same for gas heating. Water is cheaper (and safer). Here’s the part that will floor you—subscribe to a service with high-speed Internet, a VOIP phone free to 117 countries and hundreds of TV channels and it will cost you only 35€ a month! Add a cell phone to that for 16€ a month with unlimited usage to those 117 countries and it’s free in those countries and free back to France! Where do you find that in the U.S.?

For entertainment, France is usually cheaper. Museums, culture, public events are cheaper in France and often free. Gym memberships are similar. Wine is far cheaper in France, but imported American goods are expensive. Clearly, travel inside Europe is MUCH cheaper from France! (One reason we promote living near and international airport!)

The Final Verdict (for most Americans) is that France is at least 25–35% less expensive overall.

Paris vs U.S.:

• Paris vs NYC/LA/SF: Paris cheaper by 20–40%
• Paris vs mid-sized U.S. city: similar or slightly cheaper
• Paris vs rural/small-town U.S.: France more expensive

Nice vs U.S.:

Nice is cheaper than Boston, NYC, LA, Chicago…similar to Austin, more expensive than Midwestern/Southern cities.

Then there is Hawaii! Maui is significantly more expensive than the U.S. mainland—and in some categories, it’s one of the most expensive places to live in the entire United States. (We paid $12 for a carton of one dozen eggs!) The main drivers of price are that everything must be shipped, there is a limited housing supply, utility costs are high, pricing is driven by tourism, and there are higher local taxes and fees. When my daughter moves over to France, she will surely feel the difference! (As will I.)

The bottom line is that your hard-earned greenbacks are going to stretch a lot longer, all while improving your quality of life. Don’t wait till it’s too late. Come see us asap to get started on your new life in France.

Visit our website to get started and learn more about how easy it is.

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