With its unique character, excellent food and wine, wonderful climate, and rich culture, France has attracted British expats for decades. To make this country even more appealing, the cost of living in France is similar if not slightly lower than in the UK.

Sign up for a personal account with Moneycorp. 

The currency in France

The Euro (€) is the currency in France, having replaced the new French Franc in 2002. The official currency code is EUR, which is how this currency is displayed at Moneycorp. One Euro is subdivided into 100 cents. Banknotes are available in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, and coins are available in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, and €2. £1 was worth €1.12 at 11.03am on 7 March 2023.

Where to live in France

With Atlantic/Channel and Mediterranean coastlines, verdant valleys, mountains, forests, and all sorts of landscapes in between, France boasts numerous distinct regions. Every city, town, and village has a proud local culture and traditions, and expats who want to live in this country have a wealth of options to choose from. 

The cost of living in France is at its highest in Paris, which attracts its fair share of expats. However, other cities and towns have also proven popular, such as Périgueux (Dordogne), Nice, Antibes, Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes/Côte d’Azur), and Lyon (Rhone). According to the 2022 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Paris is the 35th most expensive city in the world, and Toulouse is the world’s 110th most expensive city. 

How much does accommodation cost in France?

Most expats have no trouble finding accommodation options that are cheaper in France than in the UK. This is one area in which the cost of living in France is better than in the UK. On average, rent prices are 20.9% lower than in the UK, although buying property can be more expensive. The tables below show average rental and property prices in a few French cities.

All figures were taken from Numbeo and the exchange rates were calculated at 11.03am on 7 March 2023.

Paris

Monthly rent for 1 bedroom apartment (city centre)	£1,168.41 (€1,316.67)
Monthly rent for 1 bedroom apartment (outside centre)	£844.33 (€951.46)
Monthly rent for 3 bedroom apartment (city centre)	£2,574.36 (€2,901.01)
Monthly rent for 3 bedroom apartment (outside centre)	£1,711.63 (€1,928.82)
Price per square meter to buy apartment (city centre)	£10,821.37 (€12,194.47)
Price per square meter to buy apartment (outside centre)	£7,817.13 (€8,809.03)

 

Bordeaux

Monthly rent for 1 bedroom apartment (city centre)	£627.52 (€707.14)
Monthly rent for 1 bedroom apartment (outside centre)	£500.67 (€564.20)
Monthly rent for 3 bedroom apartment (city centre)	£1,047.13 (€1,180)
Monthly rent for 3 bedroom apartment (outside centre)	£1,020.51 (€1150)
Price per square meter to buy apartment (city centre)	£4,534.02 (€5,109.33)
Price per square meter to buy apartment (outside centre)	£3,490.44 (€3,933.33)

 

Nice

Monthly rent for 1 bedroom apartment (city centre)	£784.67 (€884.23)
Monthly rent for 1 bedroom apartment (outside centre)	£622.76 (€701.78)
Monthly rent for 3 bedroom apartment (city centre)	£1,538.16 (€1,733.33)
Monthly rent for 3 bedroom apartment (outside centre)	£1,197.99 (€1,350)
Price per square meter to buy apartment (city centre)	£5,892.05(€6,583.33)
Price per square meter to buy apartment (outside centre)	£3,283.38 (€3,700)

 

How much does transport cost in France?

While you will pay more for petrol in France, the cost of public transport and new vehicles is cheaper than in the UK. The table below offers an idea of the cost of transport in the country nicknamed the Hexagon.

Single bus ticket	£1.51 (€1.70)
Monthly public transport ticket	£57.68 (€65.00)
Petrol (1 litre)	£1.69 (€1.91)
Volkswagen Golf	£21,821.17 (€24,590)
Toyota Corolla	£22,491.50 (€25,345.39)

 

The cost of living in France for international students

The cost of living in France for international students is similar if not lower than in the UK. Tuition fees at French public universities vary, depending on the level of study. 

Average Bachelor’s programme tuition fees are approximately £150.38 per year, although engineering degrees tend to be around £548.43 per year, and medicine degree tuition fees are approximately £398.05 per year. Annual Master’s degree tuition fees are approximately £229.99 and PhD fees are around £350.29 per year. You will also need to make a £80.50 annual contribution toward campus and student life. Please note that non-EU/EEA citizens may need to pay more for studies.

As for other living costs, you can look at budgeting between £176.91 and £353.83 per month if you stay in halls of residence, or £353.83 and £707.65 per month if you rent or share an apartment. Budget between £221.14 and £265.37 for food and groceries, and between £26.54 and £66.34 per month for transport. Budget between £17.69 and £44.23 per month for health insurance, and approximately £44.23 per month for books and other learning materials.

What is the cost of living in France compared to the UK?

The cost of living in France compared to the UK is similar. You may pay slightly more for food and some groceries in France, but you can expect to pay less for various foodstuffs and groceries, as well as a variety of goods and services. The table below includes average prices for common food items, groceries, and other offerings.

Milk (1 litre)	£0.92 (€1.04)
Bread (500g loaf)	£1.38 (€1.55)
Eggs (12pk)	£2.78 (€3.13)
Water (1.5 litre bottle)	£0.62 (€0.70)
Chicken Breast (1kg)	£9.65 (€10.87)
Cappuccino (regular, in a restaurant)	£2.57 (€2.90)
Beer (500ml, in a restaurant/pub)	£5.32 (€6.00)
Cinema ticket	£9.76 (€11.00)
Gym membership (monthly)	£29.13 (€32.83)
Preschool/Kindergarten (monthly)	£531.14 (€598.53)
Primary School (yearly)	£9,057.28 (€10,206.54)

 

Sign up for a Personal Account with Moneycorp

Whether the prospect of studying, doing business, or enjoying a blissful retirement has got you thinking about moving to this country, it’s important to take note of the cost of living in France. Beyond that, you also need to find a way to send money to France securely, at competitve rates, and your convenience. We offer a variety of personal products and services that put you in control of your forex. Sign up for a personal account with Moneycorp.