What expenses should one expect when living in France?

Increase in housing and real estate costs in France

In recent years, the average costs of housing and real estate in France have become a significant burden on family budgets. This issue is particularly acute in Paris, where the price per square meter varies from€7000to€11,000In other cities, prices are significantly lower, often by a third or even more. If you look at the French Riviera or mountain resorts, you can find a small studio apartment starting from€100,000to€150,000.

Rental rates depending on the region

When determining the budget, it is important to consider rental rates, which can vary significantly depending on the region. In the capital, a typical one-bedroom apartment may cost from€70to€100overnight. However, long-term rental allows for savings: the monthly rate will amount to approximately€700On popular resorts in the Alps, rental prices start from€40per day, while on the French Riviera prices start from€50Long-term rentals offer a variety of conditions: monthly rates start from€500and can vary greatly depending on the level of service and location.

Rental conditions

When signing a lease agreement, it is important to consider“security deposit”, which can be equal to one month's rent. For short-term rentals, a prepayment is often required in the amount of50%from the total amount. It's also worth remembering the utility payments that the tenant covers. On average, they can reach€200per month. Reducing expenses on electricity bills, which is one of the most significant costs, will help ease the financial burden a bit.

Nutrition and gastronomy

Another important expense is food. French cuisine is revered as a true art form, as evidenced by the numerous highly regarded restaurants throughout the country. Paris is considered the gastronomic capital of the world: here you can find a wide variety of culinary masterpieces, but it’s important to remember that this pleasure can come at a high cost. A meal at a premium restaurant can cost more than€100and an exquisite dinner – even nearby€1000.

Options for available food

Nevertheless, there are plenty of options for a delicious lunch at more affordable prices. A wide variety of cheeses, pâtés, fresh baguettes, and croissants remains available to everyone. In budget-friendly restaurants, a single dish can cost around€10-15A full three-course meal for two will cost approximately from€35to€60It would also be helpful to consider the following prices:

• A glass of red wine:from€4
• Cappuccino:€1.6-€4
• Bottle of water (0.33 L):about€1.5
• Local beer (0.5 L):about€5

Fast food and street food

We shouldn't forget about fast food either. A meal at a well-known fast food chain will cost about€8However, don't miss the chance to try the local street food, as it can pleasantly surprise you with its taste and affordability. This culinary culture makes France an ideal place for lovers of diverse and quality food, offering a wide range of options for every taste and budget.

Food prices in France

The price of large sandwiches in France ranges from €3 to €8, while a baguette with various fillings, known as a panini, costs around €5. If you want to try a local burger, its price will be between €5 and €9, depending on its size and ingredients. Unfortunately, it is often served with fries and a soft drink. The price range for a kebab with potatoes and fresh salad is approximately €11 to €13.

If you're looking for something light, you can buy a fresh baguette at the bakery, with prices starting from €1.5, but for a long classic baguette like in the movies, you'll have to pay more. In bakeries, croissants are offered at around €0.5.

Quality of products and stores

In France, there are strict quality standards for food products, so it's possible to cook dishes at home, as there isn't always a desire to eat in restaurants. For convenience, there are supermarkets of well-known brands, such as:

• Auchan
• Monoprix
• Carrefour
• Intermarché

You can find everything you need here.

Prices for groceries in supermarkets

The prices of products in supermarkets are quite varied.

• Milkfrom €0.8 to €1.2
• White bread (500 g): from €0.9 to €2
• Ricefrom €1 to €3
• A dozen eggsfrom €1.7 to €3.9
• Local cheesesfrom €8 to €20 per kilogram
• Chicken breastsfrom €7 to €15
• Beeffrom €9 to €24 per kilogram

Prices for fruits and drinks

As for the fruits, their prices are as follows:

• Applesfrom €1.5 to €3 per kilogram
• Bananasfrom €1.2 to €2.5
• Orangesfrom €1.5 to €3
• Tomatoes and potatoesfrom €1.5 to €3.3 per kilogram
• Onionfrom €1 to €3
• Fresh saladCabbage: €1

A bottle of drinking water (1.5 liters) costs between €0.5 and €3. Meanwhile, a bottle of wine in the supermarket will set you back between €4 and €9, and local beer (0.5 liters) can be purchased for between €1 and €2. By the way, a pack of cigarettes costs around €7.

Visiting grocery markets

Don't miss the chance to visit local food markets, where it's enjoyable not only to shop but also to simply soak in the atmosphere. In large French cities, these markets operate daily, while in smaller towns, they are open only a few times a week. Keep in mind that prices at the markets may be higher than in supermarkets.

• CheeseIt may cost from €15.

But its high quality will be guaranteed, as it is produced by local manufacturers who grow the vegetables and bake the bread themselves.

Public transport in France

Now about transportation costs: France has a well-developed public transport system. You can use buses, trams, the metro, and suburban trains.

The implemented system of the Paris metro suggests that a single trip costs €1.9; however, it is more economical to purchase a 10-trip card for €14.5. For those who plan to travel a lot around the city, there are day or week passes available, the cost of which depends on the number of zones covered.

The metro operates not only in Paris but also in other major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Toulouse, and Rennes, while Rouen has a partially underground tram system. The average price for a single trip on a bus or tram across the country is about €1.6.

If you plan to actively sightsee or travel a lot, it might be worth considering purchasing a monthly pass, which will cost between €35 and €73. Public transport covers the central areas of the cities and nearby suburbs, making it an ideal choice for exploring the area.

Ways to get around French cities

In every French city, there are several convenient and practical methods of getting around.

Fashion shopping in France

The fashion world offers endless shopping ideas. The prices of clothing can sometimes rival the rent for housing for several months. People with good financial means often spend huge amounts—tens of thousands of euros—on updating their wardrobes. However, it is worth noting that there are great opportunities for savings, such as during sales or at outlets, where it is possible to purchase items from past collections at advantageous discounts.

Sales seasons

In France, sales take place twice a year, perfect for shopping, with prices reduced by up to 70%. The sale seasons begin:

• From early January to mid-February
• From mid-June to mid-July

In addition to expensive brands, France also has second-hand shops and flea markets where you can find high-quality and interesting items at affordable prices. This is one of the factors that allows the French to always look stylish and impeccable, even on a limited budget.

Wardrobe update

To diversify your basic wardrobe, which consists of a few t-shirts, a sweater, pants, and a dress, as well as inexpensive accessories, you'll need a budget of about€50.

If you are planning to update the clothing assortment in well-known chain stores, your expenses could be quite significant.

• Classic jeans from the brand Levi's or similar brands — from€50 to €100
• Summer dress - from€25 to €55
• Sports sneakers - from€65 to €100
• Classic leather shoes — from€75 to €150

Additional expenses when purchasing real estate

When it comes to buying real estate in France, it's important to remember that in addition to the main cost, you should also consider additional expenses. First of all, you should pay attention to communication costs.

Unlimited home internet typically costs around€30monthly. However, a more economical option is to get a subscription with a local provider with a rate starting from€35 to €40per month, which includes home phone services, television with two hundred channels, and unlimited internet. There are also various special offers and discounts from telecom operators.

A mobile phone with an unlimited plan and internet traffic will cost approximately€20per month. Unlimited calls are available from a home landline to both landline and mobile numbers throughout France and beyond. However, calls from a mobile phone abroad will be significantly more expensive.

Sports and entertainment

You can maintain physical activity by visiting a pool, where the entrance costs about€2...or gym classes, with a monthly subscription that varies from...€30 to €60.

To have a nice time, you can visit the cinema — a ticket will cost you€8-11from a person. If you are drawn to the magic of Disney, then the prices for any adult ticket to Disneyland or Walt Disney Studios start at€47To visit both parks, you will need to pay starting from€59.

Cultural events

If you are seeking cultural enrichment, don't forget to visit one of the many museums that will provide you with a wonderful appreciation of art.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in France can be financially burdensome, but it also offers unique opportunities to enjoy life and culture. I have found that while housing costs in major cities like Paris and those on the French Riviera can be significant, there are many ways to cut expenses, especially by choosing lesser-known regions or considering long-term rentals.

Culinary delights

French cuisine is undoubtedly an important component of life in the country. I found that, despite the high prices in fine dining restaurants, you can find affordable and delicious dishes in inexpensive establishments and at markets. The great selection of local products creates the opportunity to cook for ourselves, which not only saves money but also allows for culinary experimentation.

Transport system

The transportation system in France is also impressive with its variety and accessibility. I sincerely recommend using public transport – it's not only cost-effective but also convenient, especially if you want to explore different parts of the country. The fare is quite reasonable, especially when purchasing multi-ride passes, which pay off when actively exploring the cities.

Key points:

• Housing:Consider lesser-known regions to reduce costs.
• Food:Explore local markets and affordable restaurants.
• Transport:Use public transport for savings and convenience.

Thus, although life in France may seem expensive, with smart budgeting and planning, one can find their own ways to enjoy this wonderful place. It is a country full of contrasts, where every corner offers its own little treasures. I hope that my article will help all those who are about to take this step or simply wish to better understand what awaits them as they enjoy the French way of life.