France is about sophistication, style, and quality of life. But what does life in France look like in practice? What expenses should you expect? Where to find affordable housing? What are the peculiarities of the medical system and daily expenses? Is it expensive to live in France, one of the leading European countries? Learn about the financial aspects of life in this country: from rent and salaries to the cost of food, transportation and leisure activities.

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For Ukrainians planning to move to France, it is not only an opportunity to escape from the war, but also a chance to discover a new level of European life: a strong economy, high social standards, quality healthcare, and modern infrastructure. However, to make your adaptation to life in France comfortable, it is important to understand what real costs await you in this European country. Let us tell you about it.

Living standards in France

France is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. Paris, in particular, is one of the top cities in terms of cost of living. Thus, in 2024, Paris is ranked 35th in the Mercer cost of living ranking, exceeding Amsterdam and Brussels in terms of prices, but losing out to London and New York.

Cost of living in different regions of France

The standard of living in France is one of the highest in Europe, which cannot but affect the cost of living in France. And it is really expensive here.

Paris: one of the most expensive regions of France, the average cost of a family of two here is 2700-3000€ per month.

Regions of France: on average, the cost of living in Marseille, Lyon or Nice is 1800-2200€ per month.

Rural areas: a more affordable option, where costs can be 30-40% lower.

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Renting a house in France

Living in France is expensive in itself, but housing is the biggest expense for both French people and visitors to the country. The cost of rent depends on the city, neighborhood, and size of the apartment.

The rental prices in France in 2024 look like this:

Paris:

The cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Paris (center) is 1800-2200€.

One-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of Paris - 1300-1600€.

Three-room apartment in the center - from 3500€.

Please note! Cheap accommodation in Paris can be found if you know about the most budgetary districts of the French capital, such as the 19th arrondissement (La Villette, Belleville), 20th arrondissement (Ménilmontant), 13th arrondissement (Place d'Italie, Chinatown) or in the suburbs of Paris.

Lyon:

One room in the center - 800-1200 €.

On the outskirts - 600-900€.

Marseille:

One room in the center - 600-900€.

On the outskirts - from 500 €.

Utilities in France

Water, electricity, heating and garbage collection cost on average 150-200 € per month.

Internet - the basic package costs 20-30 € per month.

Mobile communication costs another €10-30 depending on the operator.

Please note! Ukrainians arriving in France under support programs can receive preferential rental conditions through government or charitable organizations. However, the search for housing options should start through local municipalities and this process can take a long time.

Food and nutrition in France

It's no secret that France is a country of gourmets, so the variety and cost of food in this European country can vary. In general, food prices in France are among the most expensive in the EU:

✔️ Milk (1 liter): 1,20€.

✔️ Bread (baguette): 1,10-1,50€.

✔️ Chicken fillet (1 kg): 10-12€.

✔️ Apples (1 kg): 2-3€.

✔️ Wine (bottle): 10-20€.

Eating out

✔️ Lunch in an average restaurant: 15-20€ per person.

✔️ Dinner for two - 60-80€.

✔️ Cappuccino - €2.50-4 depending on the city.

✔️ Transportation in France

Public transportation in France

Public transportation in France is efficient and well developed, especially in large cities.

Prices for public transportation in France look like this:

✔️ Single ticket: 1,70-2,10€.

✔️ Monthly pass: 75-85€.

✔️ Taxi (1 km): 1,80€.

Fuel prices in France are among the most expensive in Europe - 1 liter of fuel costs an average of €1.80.

Please note! For residents of rural regions of France, a car is a necessity. You should budget about €150-200 per month for car maintenance (fuel, insurance, parking).

Do Ukrainians in France need to obtain local car insurance - in the previous article.

Healthcare and insurance in France

France has a state insurance system called Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa). Insurance is mandatory for foreigners residing in the country for more than three months.

The monthly premium is 8% of income.

The insurance covers 70-100% of the costs depending on the type of service.

Please note! Public insurance does not cover all expenses, so many people choose additional private insurance. Private insurance for Ukrainians in France can cost from €20-50 per month to cover additional expenses and usually meets the requirements of guests in France for proper insurance.

Earlier we wrote about how Ukrainians can use medical services in France

Cost of leisure activities in France

Leisure in France includes culture, history, nature, and gastronomy. Let's take a look at the popular leisure options in France that are worthy of attention:

✔️ Louvre in Paris: entrance fee is €17 (free for people under 26 from EU countries).

✔️ Palace of Versailles: entrance fee: €19.50 (free garden on weekdays).

✔️ Châteaux of the Loire Valley: from €10 for entrance to each castle.

✔️ Disneyland Paris: tickets from €63-105 depending on the season.

✔️ Zoos and aquariums: Beauvais Zoo or La Rochelle Aquarium (entrance fee 15-25€).

✔️ Wine tasting in Bordeaux or Burgundy: excursions cost €50-150 per person.

✔️ Visit to cheese farms in Normandy or Savoy: 20-40€ per tour.

Best cities in France to live in

Paris is a cultural capital, but expensive housing.

Lyon - famous for gastronomy, more affordable.

Toulouse is a city of innovation with reasonable prices.

Marseille - good climate and relatively inexpensive living.

For budget living, you should consider small cities like Dijon, Strasbourg, or Grenoble.

Results: how much money do you need to live in France?

To calculate the budget for living in France (2024-2025), you should take into account, first of all, the region of residence.

Paris: from €2700-3000 per month for two people.

Regions: from 1800-2200€ per month.

Rural areas: from 1500-1800 € per month.

Additional expenses (insurance, leisure) - 200-300€.

The cost of living in France is defined at the level of 1400 euros per person per place.

As you can see, life in France can be expensive, but with the right approach and planning, you can find a balance between comfort and costs. At the same time, France continues to be chosen both for temporary relocation and permanent residence. In this case, the legal and legislative nuances of this European country cannot be avoided. In order to avoid unnecessary difficulties when applying for a visa or migration documents, we recommend that you contact experienced lawyers from Visit Ukraine. They will help you go through all the necessary procedures without unnecessary stress and focus on the important aspects of your new life in France or another European country.

Just a reminder. It has recently become known that France is introducing temporary border control.

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