Relocating to France is an exciting step, but understanding the true cost of living is essential. For expats, knowing what to expect in terms of monthly bills will help you better plan your budget and avoid surprises. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical fixed costs of living in France, covering utilities, internet, mobile phone plans, and more.
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Understanding fixed costs in France
Fixed costs, known in French as dépenses contraintes, are recurring monthly bills that are difficult to avoid. These include rent or mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, electricity, water, and telecom services. According to recent figures, French residents spend an average of 1,133 € per month on these expenses, accounting for about 35% of their net monthly income.
> You might be interested in this article: Cost of Living in France
Monthly electricity bills in France
Average cost of electricity
As of March 2025, the average annual electricity bill for a household heated by electricity is around 1,717 €, which translates to approximately 143 € per month. For homes with electric radiators, the yearly cost rises slightly to about 1,937 €, or 161 € per month. According to ADEME, heating alone accounts for nearly 28% of the total electricity usage in a standard 91 m² home consuming 4,334 kWh annually.
Factors influencing your electricity bill include:
- Size of the home
- Type of heating system
- Energy efficiency of the building
- Regional electricity rates
If you opt for gas heating, your electricity consumption may be lower, but you’ll need to factor in separate gas bills.
Water bills for households in France
Water consumption varies by household size and habits. For a household of two, the average annual water bill is about 464.40 €, or 38.70 € per month. This is based on a usage of 108 m³ per year at an average cost of 4.30 € per cubic metre.
A family of four uses around 148 m³ annually, which works out to approximately 636 € per year, or 53 € per month. Water bills typically include:
- Drinking water
- Wastewater treatment
- Fixed service fees
Internet and mobile phone costs in France
Internet subscription costs
In March 2025, the average monthly cost for broadband internet in France is 33.88 €. However, depending on the provider and promotional deals, you might pay as little as 19.99 € per month for the first year.
Here are some common offers:
- RED Box Fibre: 19.99 €/month
- Freebox (Free): 19.99 €/month for 12 months, then 29.99 €/month
- Orange Livebox: 19.99 €/month for 6 months, then 33.99 €/month
- Bouygues Bbox Fibre: 19.99 €/month for 12 months, then 32.99 €/month
Mobile phone plan costs
The average cost of a mobile phone plan with unlimited calls/SMS and at least 20 GB of data is around 11.51 €/month.
Examples of current offers:
- RED by SFR: 6.41 €/month
- Free: 7.41 €/month
- Bouygues Telecom: 10.03 €/month
- Sosh: 10.41 €/month
- Orange: 18.41 €/month
- 5G-inclusive plan (SFR): 16.41 €/month
Additional fixed expenses for expats
Rent or mortgage
Rent is usually the largest monthly expense. It varies widely based on the region, city, and type of accommodation:
- Paris: 1,200 € to 2,500 € for a two-bedroom flat
- Lyon or Bordeaux: 900 € to 1,500 €
- Rural or smaller towns: 600 € to 900 €
Mortgage payments depend on the loan amount, interest rate, and term.
Council tax and property tax
- Taxe d’habitation: Mostly abolished for primary residences but still applies to secondary homes.
- Taxe foncière: Paid annually by property owners; varies by municipality but average at 1,019 €/year for houses and 811 €/year for apartments.
Insurance
- Home insurance (assurance habitation): Mandatory for renters and homeowners. Expect to pay on average 30 €/month. But it will depend on the coverage and the type of properties you live in.
- Health insurance top-up (mutuelle): Supplementary cover to the French healthcare system, the average cost is 97 €/month depending on age and coverage.
> You might be interested in this article: The reality of living in rural France: What expats need to consider
Average monthly bills for a couple in France
| Expense type | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | 143 € |
| Water (2-person household) | 39 € |
| Internet | 34 € |
| Mobile phone (2 plans) | 24 € |
| Home insurance | 30 € |
| Mutuelle for a couple | 135 € |
| Property tax (monthly avg) | 79 € |
| Total for a couple (exc. rent) | 484 € |
Depending on your rent or mortgage payments, your total monthly budget will range from 1,000 € to 2,500 € or more. Planning ahead for these fixed expenses ensures a smoother transition to life in France.
FAQs: Monthly bills in France for expats
What is the average cost of monthly utilities in France?
On average, French households spend around 1,133 € per month on fixed expenses, including rent, utilities, insurance, and telecoms. Your individual cost will depend on lifestyle and location.
How much should I budget for electricity and water?
Expect to pay around 143 €/month for electricity and 39 € to 53 €/month for water, depending on household size and energy use.
Is internet expensive in France?
Internet is relatively affordable. With promotions, you can find fibre packages starting from 19.99 €/month.
Do expats pay the same for utilities as locals?
Yes, there is no price differentiation. However, setting up services might require proof of residence and a French bank account.
Can I use my international mobile plan in France?
It’s best to switch to a French mobile provider for affordability and coverage. Plans start as low as 6 €/month.
Are there any hidden or unexpected fees?
Some expats may overlook costs like maintenance charges in apartment buildings (charges de copropriété), parking, or security deposits.
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