If you’re considering moving to France from the US, whether for retirement, remote work, or a lifestyle change, you’ve likely wondered: is life in France really cheaper?
The short answer: Yes, in many key areas, France is significantly more affordable than the United States. But to get the full picture, let’s break it down: housing, groceries, healthcare, transport, and lifestyle.
🔗 Planning a move? Download our Guide to Moving to France from the US
Table of Contents
Overall cost of living: France vs US
According to 2025 data, the average cost of living in France is about $1,739 per month, compared to $2,504 in the United States, roughly a 31% difference on that index.
Rankings vary by methodology, but on this measure France sits around the mid-20s globally, while the U.S. is consistently among the top 10 most expensive countries.
👉 For many expats, France offers strong value, especially thanks to lower rents outside Paris, affordable public healthcare, and well-subsidised services, though the exact savings depend on which cities you compare.
Rent prices: Why Americans save big in France
Housing is where many expats notice the biggest difference. On average, rents in the U.S. are significantly higher than in France, especially in major metro areas. Some cost-of-living indices show U.S. rents can be 40–80% higher, depending on the cities compared.
In France, smaller cities and rural areas offer especially good value. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in a medium-sized French city might rent for around 700 € – 1,000 € per month, while in Paris that figure can climb well above 1,500 €. A three-bedroom house in the countryside may still be found for under 1,000 € per month, prices that would be hard to match in most U.S. markets.
👉 The bottom line: if you’re relocating from high-rent U.S. cities, France, outside central Paris, often feels like a bargain.
🔗 Need help finding a long-term rental? Explore our relocation services for expats.
Groceries & restaurants: Similar costs, different habits
When it comes to groceries, the price gap between France and the U.S. isn’t dramatic, but it depends on where you shop. Some indices suggest U.S. groceries can be 20–30% more expensive, while others show costs are fairly close depending on the items compared.
Dining out is a different story. On average, restaurant meals in the U.S. cost more than in France, particularly for casual sit-down meals. In France, many people enjoy a fixed-price lunch menu (“formule”) at restaurants, which often delivers excellent value compared to the U.S.
👉 Another advantage: France’s tradition of weekly open-air markets and seasonal produce makes cooking at home both affordable and high-quality, a lifestyle shift many expats find enjoyable and cost-saving.
Healthcare in France: Lower costs, better access
One of the biggest advantages of living in France is its well-regarded public healthcare system. Once you’re enrolled and have your Carte Vitale, reimbursements are processed automatically, and with the tiers payant system you often pay only your share at the point of service, sometimes nothing if your complementary insurance (mutuelle) covers the balance.
Most routine medical costs are partially reimbursed by Assurance Maladie (e.g. ~70% of the official fee for a GP visit), with the rest typically covered by a mutuelle. Some specialists and private clinics may charge higher fees, so it’s wise to budget for top-up insurance.
For new arrivals, private expat health insurance is usually required for visa applications and is generally far more affordable than U.S. plans offering comparable coverage.
🔗 Learn more about how healthcare in France works and how to get your Carte Vitale.
Local purchasing power: US incomes still higher
This is one area where the US wins on paper. The US has 29.2% more local purchasing power than France.
That means the average American salary can buy more, but only if you’re earning in USD. If you’re retired or earning remotely, France’s lower prices stretch your income further.
Property prices: Buying in France vs the US
If you’re considering buying property, the picture is mixed:
- French city centres (e.g. Paris, Lyon, Nice) often average 5,000 € – 12,000 € per m², with Paris among the most expensive in Europe.
- U.S. city centres vary even more widely — a mid-sized city may average around $3,000 per m² (~2,800 €), while prime markets like New York or San Francisco can exceed $10,000 per m².
- Outside city centres, French property can drop to around 2,500 € – 4,000 € per m², compared with U.S. averages of ~$2,500–$3,000 (~2,300 € – 2,800 €) depending on the region.
🔗 Download our Free Guide to Buying Property in France
👉 Where France really shines is rural and small-town value: in regions like Dordogne, Charentes, or Occitanie, it’s still possible to find charming homes in the 150,000 € – 250,000 € range, prices that are increasingly rare in many parts of the U.S.
What does this mean for Americans retiring to France?
If you’re considering retiring in France, the cost-of-living difference is significant:
✅ Housing: Outside Paris, rents and property prices are often lower than in many U.S. metro areas, especially in rural or small-town France.
✅ Healthcare: Public coverage makes healthcare more affordable and predictable once you’re enrolled, though it isn’t free.
✅ Lifestyle: Daily life tends to be less consumer-driven, with more emphasis on food, culture, and leisure.
✅ Quality of life: Access to reliable public transport, fresh local food, and universal healthcare all contribute to a sense of security.
That said, you’ll need to consider visa requirements, residency, and tax residency if you plan to stay long-term.
🔗 Not sure where to live? Take our “Where to Live in France” Quiz
FAQs: France vs US cost of living
Is it cheaper to live in France than in the U.S.?
On average, yes. Some cost-of-living indices suggest France is approximately 30% cheaper, mainly thanks to lower rent and healthcare, though this depends heavily on which cities you compare.
Is healthcare really free in France?
No, it’s heavily subsidised. Public insurance (Assurance Maladie) typically reimburses a large share of standard costs, with top-up insurance (mutuelle) covering much of the rest.
Is rent cheaper in France than in the U.S.?
In many cases, yes. Rent in major U.S. cities is often much higher than in French mid-sized cities or rural areas. Paris, however, can be as expensive as U.S. metro areas like Boston or San Francisco.
Can I live in France on a U.S. retirement income?
Yes. Many American retirees live comfortably in France, particularly in affordable regions like Dordogne, Charentes, or Occitanie, where property and living costs remain accessible.
Final notes: Is France really cheaper than the US?
If you’re living off savings, a pension, or a remote income, yes, France can absolutely be cheaper than the US, especially when it comes to rent, healthcare, and daily essentials.
Of course, some lifestyle differences require adjustment, but for many expats, the trade-off is more than worth it.
Planning a move to France or just thinking about it?
Book a free 30-minute call with our team for personalised guidance on relocating to France. 👉 Schedule your call here
Not ready for a call? No problem. Explore our free resources to learn at your own pace:
📚 Browse the blog for expert tips
🎧 Listen to our podcast for real stories and insights
Wherever you are in your France journey, we’re here to help.
