CostLens
Home › France

Cost of Living in France

1,187 cities covered · Currency: EUR (€) · Capital: Paris

Single person, monthly€1,065 ($1,158)
Couple, monthly€1,937 ($2,106)
Family of four, monthly€2,551 ($2,773)
Average net salary€2,974 ($3,233)

Average Prices in France

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant€9.80 ($10.65)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range€39.20 ($42.61)per meal
Cappuccino€2.94 ($3.20)each
Monthly groceries (single person)€222 ($241)per month
Monthly public transport pass€35.94 ($39.06)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment€94.74 ($103)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)€27.44 ($29.83)per month
Fitness club membership€27.44 ($29.83)per month
Cinema ticket€7.19 ($7.81)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre€592 ($643)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre€412 ($447)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre€1,235 ($1,342)per month

Major Cities in France

Paris

Île-de-France · pop. 11,060,000

Lyon

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes · pop. 1,716,050

Marseille

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur · pop. 1,635,154

Toulouse

Occitanie · pop. 1,081,726

Lille

Hauts-de-France · pop. 1,063,491

Bordeaux

Nouvelle-Aquitaine · pop. 994,920

Nice

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur · pop. 944,321

Nantes

Pays de la Loire · pop. 683,313

Rouen

Normandie · pop. 478,593

Montpellier

Occitanie · pop. 310,240

Strasbourg

Grand Est · pop. 293,771

Orléans

Centre-Val de Loire · pop. 285,926

Rennes

Bretagne · pop. 230,890

Toulon

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur · pop. 179,116

Reims

Grand Est · pop. 177,674

Saint-Étienne

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes · pop. 173,136

Le Havre

Normandie · pop. 166,687

Villeurbanne

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes · pop. 163,684

Dijon

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté · pop. 161,830

Angers

Pays de la Loire · pop. 159,022

Grenoble

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes · pop. 156,140

Nîmes

Occitanie · pop. 151,839

Aix-en-Provence

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur · pop. 149,695

Clermont-Ferrand

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes · pop. 146,351

Cheapest Cities in France

LavalÉvreuxSaint-PriestSuresnesMartiguesVincennesAubagneSaint-MaloLivry-GarganBloisFull ranking →

City Comparisons in France

Paris vs Lyon

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in France

Paris vs Marseille

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in France

Lyon vs Toulouse

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in France

Marseille vs Toulouse

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in France

Cost of Living by City Size in France

Living costs in France vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of €1,065 ($1,158) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in France?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in France is €1,065 ($1,158), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly €2,551 ($2,773) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in France?
Laval ranks among the most affordable cities in France with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in France?
The estimated average net salary in France is €2,974 ($3,233) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for France derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.