Cost of living in France in 2026
What it really costs to live in France: rent, groceries, utilities, transport and a realistic monthly budget. Generate a free plan below with a budget tailored to your city and household.
Consumer prices run about 10% above the EU average, a Big Mac costs about $7.05 and the average advertised salary is around €39,685 a year.
Planning the move itself? See the France relocation guide.
France costs at a glance
Country-wide indicators, each with its source. City-level figures below where available.
Consumer prices vs EU average
+10%
Eurostat 2025
Big Mac price
$7.05
The Economist, January 2026
Inflation (annual)
0.9%
World Bank 2025
Avg advertised salary
€39,685 / yr
Adzuna, June 2026
Employment taxes (tax wedge)
47%
OECD 2025
Currency
EUR
ISO 4217
Monthly costs in France
Typical monthly figures shown in USD (local currency in parentheses). Ranges, not exact prices — reviewed July 2026. Always confirm current prices before you budget.
Paris
Capital- Rent · 1-bed, city centre
- $1,830–$2,950(€1,600–€2,600)
- Rent · 1-bed, outside centre
- $1,370–$2,170(€1,200–€1,900)
- Rent · 3-bed, city centre
- $3,200–$4,770(€2,800–€4,200)
- Utilities (electric, water, gas)
- $160–$250(€140–€220)
- Home internet
- $34–$52(€30–€45)
- Mobile plan
- $17–$34(€15–€30)
- Groceries · one adult
- $310–$430(€270–€380)
- Meal · inexpensive restaurant
- $17–$25(€15–€22)
- Dinner for two · mid-range
- $80–$115(€70–€100)
- Monthly transit pass
- $86–$97(€75–€85)
Living costs · single (excl. rent)
$970–$1,430
Living costs · family of four (excl. rent)
$3,450–$4,370
Lyon
Major city- Rent · 1-bed, city centre
- $1,250–$1,930(€1,100–€1,700)
- Rent · 1-bed, outside centre
- $910–$1,470(€800–€1,300)
- Rent · 3-bed, city centre
- $2,290–$3,430(€2,000–€3,000)
- Utilities (electric, water, gas)
- $149–$240(€130–€210)
- Home internet
- $34–$52(€30–€45)
- Mobile plan
- $17–$29(€15–€25)
- Groceries · one adult
- $285–$410(€250–€360)
- Meal · inexpensive restaurant
- $16–$23(€14–€20)
- Dinner for two · mid-range
- $69–$103(€60–€90)
- Monthly transit pass
- $63–$80(€55–€70)
Living costs · single (excl. rent)
$910–$1,320
Living costs · family of four (excl. rent)
$3,220–$4,140
Cost index vs USA
75/ 100
USA = 100, excluding rent; Numbeo puts France slightly below the USA on day-to-day costs.
VAT / GST
20%
Standard TVA rate; reduced 10% and 5.5% rates on some goods and services.
- Rent and dining in Paris are much dearer than the rest of the country; moving to Lyon, Toulouse or Bordeaux lowers the overall budget.
- The public health system covers basics well; a mutuelle is used for co-pays and dental.
- Cafés and restaurants in tourist quarters of Paris carry a big markup; local bistros outside the centre are far cheaper.
- High taxes and social contributions make gross salaries much higher than net — worth factoring into budgets.
Sources: Numbeo Cost of Living France · KoronaPay Blog — Cost of Living in France · PwC France — Personal Income Tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to live in France?
In Paris, expect roughly $970–$1,430 a month in living costs for a single person, and about $3,450–$4,370 for a family of four, excluding rent (July 2026). Add rent from the table below — a one-bed typically runs $1,830–$2,950 in the centre. Costs vary by district, so generate a free plan above for a budget matched to your exact city, household and priorities.
Is France expensive?
Consumer prices in France are about 10% higher than the EU average (Eurostat 2025, household final consumption price level). That is a country-wide comparison; the capital is usually pricier than smaller cities.
What is the inflation rate in France?
Annual inflation was about 0.9% (World Bank 2025). High or volatile inflation can change rents and grocery prices quickly, so treat older figures with caution.
What is the average salary in France?
The average advertised salary is about €39,685 a year (Adzuna job listings, June 2026). Advertised salaries skew toward roles posted online, so treat this as a signal, not a guarantee.
How current is this cost data?
Prices and taxes were refreshed 7 July 2026; inflation and the Big Mac index 12 July 2026. Every figure on this page shows its source. Always confirm current prices locally before you budget.