Key areas of your French living budget

Groceries and meals

Numbeo’s grocery index shows broad parity between France and the UK, with only modest differences in overall supermarket prices. Restaurant prices in the UK tend to be slightly higher on average than in France, particularly in major cities.

Shopping at France’s main supermarket chains - such as Auchan, Carrefour, Casino Group, E.Leclerc and Intermarché - can often work out competitively priced, particularly when taking advantage of loyalty schemes and weekly promotions. Discount retailers such as Lidl and Aldi are also widespread and popular in France.

Prices displayed in shops include VAT, so the total you see on the shelf is what you pay at the checkout.

Large supermarkets compete with fresh produce markets (marchés) and independent food shops such as boulangeries, fromageries and boucheries. Many French residents shop in smaller quantities and more frequently than is typical in the UK, favouring fresh, local produce.

Eating out is no longer as inexpensive as it once was, but it remains part of everyday social life. Most cafés, bistrots, brasseries and restaurants offer good-value fixed-price menus alongside à la carte options. Menu prices include service by law — there is no expectation of adding a percentage tip as in some other countries (though rounding up or leaving small change is common).

The best value is often found at lunchtime, when a menu du jour may offer two or three courses at a fixed price, usually significantly cheaper than ordering à la carte.

Getting around

Driving is common in France, with around 40 million licence holders. At the time of writing, fuel costs were approximately €1.70 per litre for unleaded (SP95) and €1.66 per litre for diesel, though prices fluctuate.

If you plan to drive, factor in not only fuel, insurance and maintenance but also motorway tolls. France’s autoroutes are largely toll-based, with charges depending on distance travelled.

Traditionally, tolls were paid at péage booths on exit. However, France is progressively introducing barrier-free (flux libre) systems on certain motorways, requiring payment online within a specified time after travel.

Public transport - particularly in larger cities - is reliable and cost-effective. The national rail operator, SNCF, operates extensive regional and high-speed train services, including TGV routes linking major cities.

Paying the bills

Most properties are fitted with Linky smart electricity meters.

From 1 August 2025, the VAT rate on energy contracts increased from 5.5% to 20%, affecting both gas and electricity bills. Energy prices can vary depending on whether you are on a regulated tariff or a market contract.

Water services are managed locally, often by private operators under municipal contracts. Charges are calculated per cubic metre and usually billed every six to twelve months.

Telecoms bundles combining broadband, television and phone services are common. A typical offer might start at around €30-€36 per month, including high-speed internet, a VOIP landline with unlimited calls within France and to selected international destinations (including the UK), and a television package.

Healthcare costs

Healthcare costs in France are generally lower than in the UK’s private sector and far lower than those typically charged in fully private systems elsewhere.

Once registered in the French healthcare system, eligible residents are reimbursed directly into their bank account - usually at a rate of 70% of the official tariff, sometimes more depending on treatment and status. Complementary insurance (mutuelle) can cover part or all of the remaining amount (see Chapter 18).

For example, a standard consultation with a GP costs €30 before reimbursement.

You must present your Carte Vitale at each medical appointment to ensure automatic processing of reimbursements.