Budgeting for the Cost of Living in France

Moving to France offers a mixture of convenience and aspiration, with a shorter travel distance than many other international destinations, a rich culture, renowned cuisine, and a wide variety of places to live, from the warmer Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera to major cities such as Paris and Marseille.

Creating a comprehensive budget is essential to help ensure your relocation is financially sustainable and suited to your lifestyle, with a clear understanding of how your income will support your day-to-day costs, expectations, and plans for buying a property overseas.

In this guide, we’ll compare some of the costs of living in France with those in the UK and explore key areas to consider when building your relocation budget.

Average Living Costs in France vs the UK

Living costs vary considerably across France, so national averages are best treated as broad benchmarks rather than a guide to what every household will spend.

Based on comparative cost-of-living data updated in October 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a French city centre is around €779, while a three-bedroom property outside a city centre averages around €1,087. Comparable UK averages are around £1,005 and £1,310 respectively.

Some everyday costs are also lower in France. Basic monthly utilities for an apartment of around 85 square metres average approximately €193 in France, compared with around £241 in the UK. A regular monthly public transport pass averages around €50 in France, compared with approximately £77 in the UK.

Eating out can also be less expensive. An inexpensive restaurant meal averages around €15 in France compared with £16 in the UK, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages around €60 compared with £65.

However, not every expense is lower in France. Fuel, some groceries, clothing and certain services can cost more, and significant regional differences apply. Paris and other high-demand locations can be considerably more expensive than the national average, particularly for accommodation.

Much therefore depends on where you choose to live, the size of your household and your lifestyle. If your income or assets are held in pounds sterling while your expenses are in euros, exchange-rate movements should also be factored into your budget and longer-term financial planning.

Moving to France with School-Aged Children

If you intend to live in France with a family, education is another important consideration. Public schooling is available throughout France, and enrolment in public primary schools is free. Some expatriate families instead choose private or international schools, depending on their children’s age, language ability and existing curriculum.

Hiring a tutor may also help children or other family members develop their French language skills and integrate more easily. Indicative costs include:

• Around €22 per hour for a private French tutor, although rates vary according to location, experience and whether lessons are delivered in person or online.
• Around €786 per month for a private full-day preschool or kindergarten place, although fees vary considerably between providers and locations.
• Around €10,900 per year for an international primary school place per child, with individual school fees ranging considerably above or below this average.

Private schools that teach primarily in French can charge substantially less than international schools, particularly where the school operates under contract with the French state. International schools may offer programmes such as the British curriculum or International Baccalaureate.

The most appropriate option will depend on your child’s age, language ability, intended length of residence in France and whether changing curriculum could affect their education.

Relocating to France With Pets

If you are relocating to France with pets, it is important to understand both the travel requirements and the rules that apply once you arrive.

For a property rented as your main residence, French law generally allows tenants to keep one or more domestic pets, provided they do not cause damage or unreasonable disturbance. Specific restrictions can apply to certain regulated dogs, while landlords of short-term furnished tourist accommodation may prohibit animals.

If you are travelling from Great Britain to France with a dog, cat or ferret, your pet will generally need to be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. You will also normally need an Animal Health Certificate issued and signed by an Official Veterinarian before entering the EU. The certificate must be valid for entry, which generally means travelling within 10 days of it being issued.

A rabies blood test is not normally required for a pet travelling from Great Britain to France under the standard pet travel rules, although different requirements can apply depending on the animal’s origin and travel history.

Pet health insurance is optional in France rather than generally mandatory. However, owners remain responsible for damage or injury caused by their animals, and additional liability insurance and ownership requirements apply to certain regulated categories of dog.

Buying or Renting a Home in France

Finally, it is important to have a realistic idea of your likely monthly housing costs, depending on whether you purchase or rent, the type of property you choose and where in France your home is located.

A renovated apartment in central Paris, for example, will generally cost considerably more to rent, buy and maintain than a more modest property in a smaller city, suburb or rural area.

The table below provides indicative monthly rental and utility costs across several popular French cities. Rental figures are based on a one-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment in the city centre, while the utility estimate covers basic electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste collection for an apartment of around 85 square metres.

These figures are indicative averages and actual rental and household costs can vary considerably according to location, property size, condition, energy efficiency and the terms of the tenancy. Internet, mobile phone contracts and other personal services are not included in the basic utility figures above.

Expats planning to purchase a property should also factor in mortgage repayments and interest where applicable, together with acquisition costs, insurance, maintenance and any shared-building or copropriété charges.

Property owners in France will also generally need to consider taxe foncière. The amount is not based on a single nationwide percentage of the property’s market value. It is calculated using the property’s cadastral rental value and the tax rates set by the relevant local authorities. Depending on how the property is used, other local taxes may also apply, including taxe d’habitation on certain second homes.

Property purchase prices vary substantially between regions and even between neighbourhoods within the same city. Paris and other high-demand locations can command considerably higher prices than many regional or rural areas, so prospective buyers should use current local market information when setting a property budget rather than relying on national averages.

For buyers, the purchase price is also only part of the overall cost. Acquisition taxes, notarial and administrative costs and, where applicable, mortgage-related expenses should all be included when assessing affordability.

Expert Guidance on Budgeting for Living Costs in France

For further information about creating a realistic budget ahead of your move, or to discuss how your relocation may affect your income, pensions, investments and wider financial planning, please get in touch with Chase Buchanan Wealth Management.

You can also download our free guide to Taxes in France and our France Residency Guide for further information.

Our French team is based in Bordeaux and can provide guidance on financial planning for life in France, while our UK team is also available to support clients planning their move.

* Reviewed October 2026