Letters: Retirement in France costs more than €15,000 a year
Connexion reader says she spends €50,000 for a modest lifestyle
A recent report considered the cost of the main goods and services used by older people
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To the Editor,
I have just turned 72 and I estimate that I go through €50,000 a year – and I would describe my lifestyle as modest!
Admittedly, I support my civil union partner and have six cats and two dogs, but I was very surprised by your recent piece that retirees need at least €15,000 a year to live comfortably in France (excluding the cost of accommodation or bills).
I get a state retirement (US and French) of about €2,200 a month, withdraw $20,000 a year from my investment portfolio, and get a few thousand more in book royalty payments.
I own my own home but maintaining it alone can come to several thousand a year (replacing washing machines, hot water cisterns and other plumbing problems, roof repairs, etc).
Read more: Best places to live in France for over-60s, according to new ranking
I am about to add a bedroom and bathroom extension, a new heating/cooling system (I currently heat my home with a woodstove), and update my kitchen so I can live on one level if I have to. My builder reckons this will set me back €100,000.
I would really struggle to get by comfortably on €15,000 a year!
Catherine Stock, by email
How much money do you think you need to enjoy your retirement in France? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com
