Cost of Living in France for International Students & Family
Staying in France offers the opportunity to enjoy various fun trips. During your stay, you will unravel various new ways of life.
From experiencing the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to wandering through the charming alleys of Bordeaux, there are endless chapters to cover here. So, prior to your exciting adventures, get an idea of the average cost of living in France.
This information will inspire you to find a well-paying job guaranteeing a comfortable lifestyle in one of France’s most stunning cities.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from various online sources as of September 15th, 2024, with sources listed below.
Table of Contents
Average Cost of Living in France for International Students
Depending on the university location and study program, you can experience a wide range of living expenses in different cities.
For instance, if you are about to stay in the country's capital Paris, you can expect your approximate expenses to be around 1,200 - 1,800 € per month. However, in smaller cities apart from Paris, Nice, Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, etc., the living expenses are much more affordable with typical monthly costs between 650 - 800 €.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Average Cost of Living in France for Singles, Couples & Families
Excluding any kind of rent or mortgage, a single person relocating to France would need a budget of €850 to €1,000 per month to live comfortably. For a better understanding, we have broken down some of the main living expenses for bachelors, couples and families below:
Cost of Living in Major Cities in France
Where you decide to live in France will determine the varying amount of rent and the average cost of monthly essentials. Below you can see monthly expenses in France across some major French cities
Cost of Living in Paris
The monthly cost of living in Paris is as follows:
Cost of Living in Lyon
The monthly cost of living in Lyon is as follows:
Cost of Living in Marseille
The monthly cost of living in Marseille is as follows:
Cost of Living in Nice
The monthly cost of living in Nice is as follows:
Cost of Living in Strasbourg
The monthly cost of living in Strasbourg is as follows:
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in France
Your cost of living in France will depend on these factors:
Location
Major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice are more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Rent, dining, and general expenses in these cities tend to be higher.
Lifestyle
Dining out frequently, shopping at high-end boutiques, and enjoying France’s cultural attractions will raise costs. A simpler lifestyle reduces expenses.
Housing
Rent is one of the largest expenses, with urban areas commanding higher prices. Rural and smaller towns offer more affordable options.
Transportation
Public transport is generally affordable, but owning a car comes with added costs such as fuel, insurance, and taxes.
Utilities and Groceries
Utility prices, like heating, can vary by region. Groceries from local markets are more affordable than supermarket chains.
What is the Average Income in France?
To understand the average income in France, you must consider the earning potential of the following people:
- Student: A student typically earns from €600 to €800 per month through part-time work, which helps cover basic living expenses.
- Bachelor: Recent bachelor graduates usually earn between €1,500 and €2,200 per month to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
- Couple: On average, a couple in France needs to earn between €3,000 and €4,000 per month to live comfortably.
- Families: A family of four generally requires an income of €3,500 to €5,000 per month to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and other essential costs.
Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly salaries in France:
How Expensive is France Compared to Other Countries?
Compared to the UK, the cost of living in France is significantly lower. However, when considering other European countries like Italy or Spain, maintaining a comfortable lifestyle here can be a bit more challenging.
Below is a comparison of living costs between France and other major cities:
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in France
- Cooking your own meals can reduce expenses. Dining out in France can be expensive, so try to save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh ingredients.
- Try to use monthly passes for public transportation. They are more cost-effective than cabs. You can also check for student or senior discounts on transportation passes.
- For added savings, use energy-efficient appliances. Investing in these appliances can lower bills, and they turn off automatically when not in use, thus promoting sustainability.
- You can share accommodations, too to reduce rental costs and split utility expenses with roommates.
- Set a monthly budget to ensure everything works according to the plan. By creating a budget and adhering to it, you can manage your spending efficiently and prevent overspending.
Now that you know the cost of living in France, you can explore the various possibilities based on your designated job role in this country. Usually, salaries tend to change depending on the city. You should adjust your budget accordingly and wisely allocate the available resources.
To offer the best picture, we segmented the monthly estimates for a comfortable lifestyle in France, specifically for students, singles, couples, and parents, in this guide.
