Cost of living in France for expats
A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in France — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Paris.
$2,800–3,800
One person, all-in, in Paris
$1,500–2,300
1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month
Premium
$2,800+/mo
What makes France stand out, and what to watch for
Why expats choose France
Excellent public healthcare and transport, and provincial cities like Lyon or Montpellier cost 30–50% less than the capital.
Watch out for
Paris is genuinely expensive on housing, and renting as a foreigner without a French guarantor can be a real hurdle.
Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.
Cost of living elsewhere in Europe
France, side by side
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