Average Cost of Living in France for 2025-26: Guide for Students and Working Professionals
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Table of Contents
- Cost of Living in France 2025-26
- Average Cost of Living in France for International Students in 2025-26
- Average Cost of Living in France: For Top 5 Cities
- Minimum Salary Needed to Live in France
- Tax Structure in France 2025-26
- How to Effectively Budget Monthly Living Expenses in France?
- Explore Opportunities & Plan Your Budget With GetGIS Assistance
As we explore the average cost of living in France for 2025-26, we realise how well the country has balanced the charms of French life with rising expenses. In 2025, the average cost of living in France for a single person is approximately EUR 945, and residents have also witnessed a slight rise in consumer prices of around 1.8% year on year, resulting from inflation.
In this article, we will explore the details of the cost of life in France for 2025-26 for expats and international students, covering all the factors from accommodation, utilities, to transport, education, etc.
Cost of Living in France 2025-26
The average cost of living in France 2025-26, excluding rent, ranges between EUR 945 and EUR 3,359 per month based on the family size and lifestyle. Moving further, we will look into the detailed bifurcation of the factors accounting to living costs in France in 2025-26. These include:
1. Cost of Accommodation in France
Housing and accommodation play the biggest role in shaping the average monthly costs in France. The average cost of accommodation in France, based on the type of accommodation, is as follows:
|
Factor |
Type of Accommodation |
Average Costs (EUR) |
|
Rental (Monthly) |
1-Bedroom Apartment in City Center |
753 |
|
1-Bedroom Apartment Outside of City |
604 |
|
|
3-Bedroom Apartment in City Center |
1,398 |
|
|
3-Bedroom Apartment Outside of City |
1,090 |
|
|
Housing |
Price per sqft to buy an apartment in the city center |
5,222 |
|
Price per sqft to buy an apartment outside the city |
3,625 |
Source: Numbeo
2. Transportation Costs in France
France's well-connected public transport dances between affordability and indulgence. Monthly passes can sway between 30 EUR to 75 EUR, with Paris predictably at the higher end.
|
Particular |
Average Costs (EUR) |
|
One-Way Ticket for Local Transport |
1.90 |
|
Monthly Pass |
60 |
|
Taxi per km Tariff |
1.88 |
|
Taxi per hour waiting |
30 |
|
Gasoline (1 liter) |
1.78 |
Read Next: Masters in France for International Students
3. Grocery Expenses in France
Navigating grocery prices demands a strategic approach. Allocate between 100-300 EUR monthly, and let the markets unfold a spectrum of costs:
|
Particular |
Average Costs (EUR) |
|
Milk (regular, 1 liter) |
1.16 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) |
1.77 |
|
Rice (white, 1kg) |
2.33 |
|
Eggs (12, regular) |
3.78 |
|
Local Cheese (1kg) |
17.84 |
|
Chicken Fillets (1kg) |
12.25 |
|
Beef Round (1kg) |
18.56 |
|
Apples (1kg) |
2.77 |
|
Bananas (1kg) |
2.07 |
|
Oranges (1kg) |
2.71 |
|
Tomatoes (1kg) |
3.16 |
|
Potatoes (1kg) |
2.05 |
|
Onions (1kg) |
2.17 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.37 |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.67 |
4. Utility Expenses in France
Essentials like electricity, gas, water, and garbage hover around 140 EUR monthly. Families with larger footprints may approach 200 EUR.
|
Particular |
Average Costs (EUR) |
|
Basic expenses (electricity, water, etc) for an 85m2 apartment |
184.45 |
|
Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10 GB+ data |
19.47 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or more) |
30.10 |
Sports and Leisure Expenses in France
Sports and leisure are an important part of amusement in France and the average costs could range as follows:
|
Factor |
Item |
Average Price (EUR) |
|
Fitness |
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee (1 Adult) |
33.28 |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour, Weekend) |
16.86 |
|
|
Cinema Ticket (International Release, 1 Seat) |
12 |
|
|
Leisure or Outside food costs |
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) |
15 |
|
Meal for 2 People (Mid-range, 3-course) |
60 |
|
|
McMeal at McDonald’s (Combo Meal) |
11 |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) |
6 |
|
|
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) |
5 |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.24 |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) |
2.82 |
|
|
Water (0.33 liter bottle) |
1.92 |
Average Cost of Living in France for International Students in 2025-26
There are many factors responsible for shaping the cost of living in France for international students in 2025-26. Though it might be considered a bit expensive for international students to study in France, there are abundant scholarship programs offered by the country to help ease the financial burden.
|
Particulars |
Average Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|
Rental |
605 – 768 |
|
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) |
188 |
|
Monthly Transport Pass |
62 |
|
Telephone & Internet |
53 |
|
Recreation |
50 |
|
Food & Drinks |
145 |
|
Total Monthly Average |
1,185 |
Read Next: Top 10 Universities in France for International Students
Average Cost of Living in France: For Top 5 Cities
The city-wise cost of living comparison in France 2025-26 for the top 5 cities in France is as follows:
|
Type of Expense |
Paris (EUR) |
Lyon (EUR) |
Bordeaux (EUR) |
Toulouse (EUR) |
Nice (EUR) |
|
Monthly Salary (after taxes) |
2,904 |
2,640 |
2,322 |
2,600 |
2,404 |
|
Cost of Living (Single) |
2,054 |
1,402 |
1,384 |
1,333 |
1,487 |
|
Cost of Living (Family) |
5,135 |
3,460 |
3,386 |
3,318 |
4,090 |
|
Rent (Single) |
1,153 |
687 |
687 |
633 |
784 |
|
Rent (Family) |
2,396 |
1,308 |
1,280 |
1,198 |
1,642 |
|
Food (Single) |
551 |
482 |
515 |
490 |
490 |
|
Food (Family) |
1,411 |
1,242 |
1,331 |
1,262 |
1,267 |
|
Transport (Single) |
228 |
122 |
76.40 |
93.60 |
102 |
|
Transport (Family) |
605 |
327 |
211 |
251 |
286 |
|
Overall Quality of Life (Index) |
94 |
90 |
85 |
89 |
83 |
Minimum Salary Needed to Live in France
Considering the steady inflation that is impacting living costs, France is known among the set of expensive European countries to settle in. According to the data by Salary Explorer, the average annual salary in France is around EUR 49,700, with entry-level positions averaging around EUR 12,500.
In parallel, the cost of living for a single person in France ranges from EUR 953 to EUR 1,000 monthly, which equals EUR 11,445 to EUR 12,000 annually. Considering these aspects, having a salary ranging from EUR 42,800 to EUR 64,900 per annum ensures a comfortable living and a safe future in the country.
Tax Structure in France 2025-26
The tax system in France follows a progressive model, which means that the higher your income is, the higher the percentage of your tax will be. The breakdown of the applicable tax slabs in France in 2025-26 is as follows:
|
Taxable Net Annual Income |
Tax Rate |
|
Up to EUR 11,294 |
0% |
|
EUR 11,295 – EUR 28,797 |
11% |
|
EUR 28,798 – EUR 82,341 |
30% |
|
EUR 82,342 – EUR 177,106 |
41% |
|
EUR 177,106 and above |
45% |
How to Effectively Budget Monthly Living Expenses in France?
Reducing your monthly expenses in France is achievable with some lifestyle adjustments and mindful spending. Consider the following tips to save money and decrease your overall cost of living
- Utility Savings: Explore comparison sites for potential savings on utility bills, leveraging introductory offers and adjusting heating for up to 20% savings.
- Appliance Efficiency: Upgrade outdated electrical devices like freezers and washing machines to enhance energy efficiency.
- Insurance Optimization: Regularly review and compare insurance policies to discover better deals, including cost savings and improved coverage.
- Smart Shopping Habits: Utilize loyalty cards, plan shopping lists, and stick to them to avoid unnecessary expenses at local supermarkets.
- Online Deals: Hunt for unbeatable offers on household items, clothing, and more through websites like Cdiscount.com, veepee.fr, and showroomprive.com.
- Second-hand Shopping: Embrace the trend of buying and selling second-hand items through platforms like Leboncoin and Vide-Grenier for cost-effective household essentials and clothing.
Explore Opportunities & Plan Your Budget With GetGIS Assistance
Living in France offers a vibrant lifestyle; however, considering the rising cost of living in France, careful preparation is needed for planning your peaceful stay as an individual or a family.
To navigate the visa process for immigration or study abroad, along with helping you budget the living expenses in France, you should consider reaching out for guidance from trusted experts like GetGIS.
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