When planning a move to France, most people budget for the obvious: rent or mortgage, groceries, and perhaps a glass (or two) of wine.
But France has a range of “hidden costs” that can quietly add up, especially if you’re buying a property, driving regularly, or setting up utilities for the first time.
This guide breaks down the main extra expenses to expect, with realistic examples so you can plan your French life with confidence.
Table of Contents
Property taxes in France
If you own (or plan to own) a home in France, property taxes are one of the biggest ongoing costs you’ll need to budget for.
Taxe foncière (Property ownership tax)
The taxe foncière is an annual land and property tax paid by owners, whether they live in the home or not.
The amount depends on:
- The cadastral rental value of the property (based on size and location)
- Local tax rates set by the commune and département
- Property improvements or land use
The base rental value used for calculations is rising by roughly +1.3% to +1.7%, even if your local authority doesn’t change its rates.
Example: A typical 350,000 € house in a mid-range area might pay around 1,600 € per year, while a similar property in a city or high-tax region could exceed 3,000 € annually.
Taxe d’habitation (residence tax)
The taxe d’habitation on primary residences has been completely abolished since January 2023.
However, the tax still applies in several cases:
- Second homes or holiday properties. Any furnished home that is not your main residence
- Furnished properties occupied by the owner, usufructuary, or tenant when used as a secondary residence
- Vacant homes, through the taxe d’habitation sur les logements vacants or taxe sur les logements vacants, which remain in effect
If you’ve received a taxe d’habitation bill by mistake (for example, for your primary residence), you can file a claim online via your impots.gouv.fr account. Go to “Messagerie sécurisée” → “Écrire” → “Réclamation / Contestation”, and select “Taxe d’habitation” or “Taxe sur les logements vacants” depending on your situation.
Waste collection tax (TEOM or REOM)
Many communes charge a separate waste collection fee, either:
- TEOM (Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères), or
- REOM (Redevance d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères)
These are often included in your taxe foncière bill or appear as a separate line. Costs vary by region, but some municipalities have been found to charge more than the actual service cost.
Typical range: 150-350 € per household annually.
Transportation and tolls
Driving in France can be scenic, but it isn’t free. Most major highways (autoroutes) are toll roads operated by private companies.
Motorway tolls (péages)
The average toll cost is around 9.50 € per 100 km for a standard car, or about 0.10-0.20 € per km, depending on route and operator.
As of February 2025, rates increased by ≈0.9% across most networks.
Example: A Paris–Nice road trip (≈930 km) could cost around 85-90 € in tolls, plus fuel.
Other transport costs to consider:
- Parking fees: Often 2-4 €/hour in urban centres
- Low-emission zones (ZFE) fines if you drive an older vehicle
- Public transport passes: 40-75 €/month depending on the city
If you commute daily or travel often for work, these costs can significantly affect your monthly budget.
Internet, utilities, and home insurance
Internet and broadband
Most French households use “triple-play” packages (internet + TV + phone). Typical plans cost between 30 € and 40 € per month, with promotional offers as low as 25 €.
Be aware of:
- Setup fees: around 50 € for a new contract
- Termination charges: if you cancel early, expect fees up to 49 €
If you’re working remotely, confirm fibre coverage (fibre optique) before signing a lease, rural speeds can vary.
Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, heating)
Utility bills depend heavily on property size, insulation, and energy efficiency (check the DPE rating when renting or buying).
For an average 85 m² apartment, expect monthly utilities of roughly 180-200 €, including:
- Electricity & heating: 120-150 €
- Water: 20-40 €
- Gas (if applicable): 30-50 €
Tip: Homes with electric heating or poor insulation can see bills rise by 30-40% during winter months.
Home insurance (assurance habitation)
In France, home insurance (assurance habitation) is mandatory for all tenants and strongly recommended for homeowners, though it becomes compulsory if you own an apartment in a co-owned building (copropriété).
Typical costs range from 200 € to 500 € per year, depending on:
- The type and size of your property
- Level of coverage
- Region and risk factors (e.g., flooding, burglary)
Co-ownership and building charges (Charges de copropriété)
If you live in an apartment block (copropriété), you’ll likely pay additional monthly or quarterly fees for:
- Common area cleaning and maintenance
- Garden or courtyard upkeep
- Elevator servicing
- Building management costs
These vary widely, from 40 € to 150 € per month, depending on building size and amenities.
Other hidden costs to expect
Notary and purchase fees
When buying property in France, total acquisition costs can reach 7-8% of the purchase price for older homes.
This includes:
- Notary fees (frais de notaire)
- Stamp duty
- Registration and administrative costs
From 1 April 2025, the “taxe de publicité foncière” (a component of these fees) increases from 4.5% to 5% in some départements.
Example: Buying a 350,000 € property could mean paying 24,000-28,000 € in fees on top of the sale price.
Maintenance and repairs
French homes, especially rural or older ones, often need regular upkeep. Roof repairs, insulation updates, or plumbing upgrades can quickly add up.
Typical annual budget: 1-2% of property value for maintenance (≈ 2,000-4,000 € for a 200,000 € home).
Local taxes and special fees
Beyond property taxes, some municipalities impose:
- Tourist tax (taxe de séjour) if you rent out property
- Parking permits for residents in city centres
- Environmental or waste fees in rural communes
- ZFE (low-emission zone) fines for certain vehicles
These may be small individually, but together they shape the real cost of living locally.
Final notes
The cost of living in France is often more affordable than in other Western European countries, but only if you understand the hidden extras. From property taxes to toll roads and utility contracts, these small details are what make the difference between feeling caught off-guard and feeling in control.
When budgeting your move to France, always add 10-15% extra for “unplanned” local costs in your first year. It’s the simplest way to protect your peace of mind.
Because living in France should be about enjoying the life you came for, not worrying about the bills you didn’t expect.
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