France gets branded as “expensive” because people picture Paris, the Riviera, or Alpine ski towns.
But if you’re planning a real move (not a two-week fantasy), the truth is simpler: France can be very affordable, if you choose the right area.
France has 13 metropolitan regions, and affordability varies hugely inside each one. So instead of pretending whole regions are uniformly “cheap”, this article focuses on three genuinely affordable “zones” that consistently offer better value, especially for expats who want space, calm, and a sustainable monthly budget.
Table of Contents
Central France
If your definition of affordability is “how much house can I get for the same budget?” Central France is where the numbers usually start to feel unreal (in a good way).
This is the France of:
- larger village houses
- land and gardens
- renovation opportunities that don’t require a millionaire’s budget
- slower pace, lower ongoing costs
Why expats choose it
- Best €/m² logic (space, land, less competition)
- A calmer day-to-day life (especially for retirees or remote workers)
- Strong “real France” feel: markets, community rhythm, simple living
Trade-offs (be honest about these)
- You’ll often be far from high-speed rail
- Fewer international communities
- Healthcare access is fine, but specialists may be further away
- If you want easy airport access every month, you’ll need to choose carefully
Affordable departments to look at
- Creuse, Haute-Vienne, Allier
- Nièvre, Indre, Cher
- Cantal, Haute-Loire
Best fit for: remote workers, retirees, slow-living buyers, renovation-tolerant expats.
> You might be interested in this article: Exploring the 6 cheapest places to retire in France
Inland southwest and “postcard France” without the coast premium
Think countryside, vineyards, stone homes, without Riviera prices. This is the zone many expats actually dream of when they say “France”:
- stone villages
- food markets
- vineyards
- countryside drives
- long lunches, calmer weeks
Why it stays affordable
- You’re not paying for beachfront demand or year-round tourism pressure
- Second-home markets exist, but they’re less overheated than the coast
- You can often find liveable homes and character, without paying for “prestige”
What to watch
- Renovation costs can erase “cheap” quickly (roof, electrics, insulation)
- Some towns feel quiet in winter, visit off-season before committing
- If you want rentals later, demand depends heavily on micro-location
Affordable departments to target
- Dordogne, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne
- Gers, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne
- Aude, Ariège (for Pyrenees-adjacent value)
Best fit for: lifestyle-first movers who want charm + value and can live outside major cities.
> You might be interested in this article: Why are French houses so cheap?
The “Western value belt”
Practical, family-friendly, connected, without Paris-level housing pressure. If you want “affordable” and you want life to feel easy, schools, shops, infrastructure, airports, this is often where expats land.
This zone tends to work because it combines:
- smaller cities and big towns with real services
- manageable housing compared to Paris and the hot Mediterranean market
- good connections for travel
Why expats like it
- Often more family-friendly and “liveable” than major tourist hotspots
- Good balance between affordability and convenience
- A lot of places feel “settle-able” (not just scenic)
Key reality
This is also where you get the best “middle ground”:
- not remote isolation
- not city stress
- not Riviera pricing
Affordable departments and cities
- Vendée, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne
- Charente, Charente-Maritime (inland, not prime coast)
- Ille-et-Vilaine (outside Rennes)
- Deux-Sèvres, Vienne
Best fit for: families, practical planners, people who want value and infrastructure.
What “affordable” actually means (so you don’t pick the wrong place)
A place can be “cheap” in one way and expensive in another. Before you choose your “most affordable region in France”, decide what affordability means for you:
- Affordable to buy: lower property prices, more space
- Affordable to rent: easier monthly cash flow, but rentals can still be competitive
- Affordable to live: groceries/transport are manageable, but heating and housing matter
- Affordable to move to: visa-friendly rental options, services, admin simplicity
If you’re moving to France as an expat, the biggest hidden factor is often housing access, not just price: in many areas, long-term rentals are competitive and landlords can be cautious with non-French profiles.
UK and travel access (a practical note for expats)
If you’ll travel regularly (family visits, work, life logistics), don’t assume every “affordable area” is equally connected.
Use this rule of thumb:
- Affordability rises as connectivity drops
- The sweet spot is: affordable towns within reach of a regional airport or a strong rail hub
Also: routes change and many are seasonal, always check airport destination pages before choosing a base.
Plan your move
Ready to make your dream of living in France a reality? Discover the region that suits your lifestyle and budget while enjoying a vibrant expat community. For more details:
Final notes
France doesn’t have one cost-of-living reality. In 2026, the best affordable areas are the ones that match your real life plan:
- If you want space and quiet: look to Central France
- If you want postcard charm without tourist pricing: inland southwest-style living is strong value
- If you want a practical, connected base: the western belt often delivers the best balance
Updated January 2026
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