Cost of Living in France: Why Retiring Here Isn’t Just About Saving Money

When Americans dream about retiring in France, the math often comes first. Considering the cost of living in France, the price of buying a home in many towns can be 25–50% less than in the U.S. A three-course lunch might cost less than a U.S. sandwich. Healthcare can be excellent and still cost a fraction of what you’d expect.

For some, it’s part of a bigger decision.

But here’s the truth: retiring here isn’t just about saving money—it’s about how you live.

I’ve seen the headlines, the social media reels, the glossy features that promise a “dream life” in France for the cost of a one-bedroom in Des Moines. And while those numbers can be true, framing France as a budget destination risks missing the bigger picture—and, worse, can rub French people the wrong way.

Side-by-side comparison: Housing in France can cost significantly less than in the U.S., International Living

Home Costs: Cheaper, Yes—but That’s Only Part of the Story

Comparing a home in the U.S. with a French home—both stylish and comfortable, typically found in towns or the countryside—the cost is often 25–50% less in France (Source: International Living).

That’s good news for retirees, but numbers don’t tell the whole story. Imagine if a wave of outsiders moved to your hometown because they heard it was “cheap.” Housing prices go up. Shops and cafés change to suit newcomers instead of locals. Suddenly, the charm that drew people there in the first place begins to fade.

This is already a genuine concern in France, particularly in villages where foreign buyers—whether from the United States, the United Kingdom, or other countries—have driven up prices. Locals can feel priced out of the communities their families have lived in for generations.

What the French Value (and What Retirees Must Learn)

France’s appeal isn’t measured in euros per square meter. It’s in the rhythm of market days, the respect for seasonal food, the preservation of historic buildings, and the fact that on Sundays, the boulanger closes at noon and the whole town seems to pause.

To the French, these things are not quaint tourist attractions—they are part of a shared identity. And they expect newcomers to understand that moving here means stepping into their culture, not reshaping it to match home.

It’s the lifestyle I first discovered in Uzès, and it’s what makes France such a rewarding place to live.

Integration: The Real Key to a Fulfilling Retirement

Yes, you may find your cost of living goes down—especially outside Paris and the Riviera—but the richer reward comes from integrating into French life:

• Learn the language — even basic French goes a long way in showing respect.
• Shop at local markets and support small, local producers.
• Participate in village life, from fêtes to volunteer activities.
• Respect the pace — life is not 24/7 convenience here, and that’s the point.

When you arrive with curiosity and humility, you’re not just a retiree benefiting from lower costs—you’re a neighbor, a contributor, and part of the fabric of the community.

Quick Facts: Cost of Living in France vs USA (Context Only)

• Housing: 25–50% less outside major cities (International Living)
• Groceries: ~30% less for fresh produce and staples (Numbeo)
• Healthcare: Up to 70% less with universal coverage (International Citizens)
• Dining Out: 3-course lunch €16–€22 vs $35–$45 in U.S. (International Living)

The Long View

I didn’t move to France because it was cheaper than the U.S., though it often is. I moved because it felt like home. The fact that my grocery bill is lower or my healthcare costs are predictable is a bonus, not the foundation of my life here.

If you lead with lifestyle and respect, the financial benefits are simply the icing on the Tarte Tatin.