Life in France. A Dream and a Plan
Many people dream of living in France, and I was no different. More than a decade ago, I made that dream a reality—but without a plan. If you’ve followed the Barefoot Blogger, you know I moved on a whim, figuring things out along the way. That meant learning the real cost of retiring in France —sometimes the hard way.
While France has exceeded my wildest imagination, I wish I had known more about the real cost of retiring here, beyond the basics of food, housing, and healthcare. Financial considerations play a huge role in managing your expectations — whether you stay long-term… or not. Over the years, I’ve seen friends fall in love with France only to leave because they weren’t prepared for the unexpected expenses, tax implications, and legal differences that come with living abroad.
To help you plan better than I did, here’s what I’ve learned about the real cost of retiring in France—and what you should consider before making the move.
(Please note that the prices and cost estimates shared in this post are based on my personal experience and research at the time of writing. Actual costs may vary depending on location, season, and changing economic conditions.)
Housing Costs in France: Renting vs. Buying
Like anywhere, the cost of living in France depends on location. Paris and the Riviera come with premium prices, while smaller towns and rural areas offer affordable alternatives.
Tip: Work with a reputable realtor who understands the needs of Americans. Guidance before making a commitment is essential.
Renting in France
Many retirees rent before buying to get a feel for the area. Here’s what to expect:
- Small towns & rural areas: €600–€1,200 per month for a two-bedroom home.
- Mid-sized cities (Montpellier, Bordeaux, Aix-en-Provence, etc.): €1,200–€2,000 per month.
- Paris & the Riviera: €2,500+ per month.
Things to keep in mind:
- French landlords often require several months’ rent up front and proof of income.
- Unfurnished means UNFURNISHED—no kitchen appliances, light fixtures, or closets.
- Expect to pay €100–€300 per month for utilities (heating, electricity, and water).
Buying Property in France
Buying can be more affordable than in the U.S., but ongoing costs must be taken into account. (International Living)
- Smaller towns & rural areas: €150,000–€300,000.
- Mid-sized cities: €250,000–€600,000.
- Paris & the Riviera: €600,000+ for a modest apartment.
Hidden costs:
- Rural homes may be less expensive upfront, but maintenance is costly. A 200-year-old farmhouse with thick stone walls? Sounds romantic, but heating it in the winter is another story (€200–€400 per month).
- French property taxes vary by region. Expect anywhere from €500–€3,000 annually
- The Paris and Riviera markets are expensive. Think €600,000+
The True Cost of Food and Dining in France
A major perk of living in France is the abundance of reasonably priced fresh, seasonal food. Shopping at local markets and eating with the seasons makes high-quality produce, cheeses, meats, and wine more affordable than in the U.S. My monthly grocery bill typically falls between €250 and €400, and I eat very well.
Dining out is also more affordable than many expect, especially when choosing prix fixe menus at neighborhood bistros. A typical café lunch with wine costs around €15 to €25, while dinner at a higher-end restaurant runs €30 to €50 per person. Fine dining is always an option, but great food doesn’t have to come with a high price tag in France.
Healthcare in France: How Much Will You Pay?
Healthcare is another area where U.S. retirees are often pleasantly surprised. After living in France for three months, you can apply for PUMa (Protection Universelle Maladie), the national healthcare system. Once enrolled, the system covers 70% of doctors’ visits and hospital stays. Private insurance (called a mutuelle) is available to cover the rest.
Even before qualifying for PUMA, private health insurance is far more affordable than in the U.S., ranging from €150 to €300 per month depending on coverage. Doctor visits are inexpensive—around €25 per visit—and prescriptions are also very affordable. The French healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world, and it’s a significant financial advantage for retirees.
Transportation Costs: Do You Need a Car in France?
Transportation costs will depend largely on where you live. In major cities, public transportation is excellent and affordable, with metro and bus passes costing €70 to €90 per month. The TGV high-speed train makes it easy to travel across the country, with tickets ranging from €20 to €100 per trip depending on distance and timing.
If you live in the countryside, a car is necessary. Cars in France generally have lower sticker prices than in the U.S., mainly because smaller, fuel-efficient models are more common. (Prices vary by model, region, and market conditions.) Car ownership includes expenses like insurance (€100–€200 per month), fuel (€1.80 per liter), and maintenance. France’s highway tolls can also add up if you drive long distances frequently.
Unexpected Expenses: What Retirees Often Overlook
Even with careful planning, unexpected costs are part of life in France. Exchange rate fluctuations can affect your budget if you rely on U.S. dollars; home repairs, visa renewals, and administrative fees can add up.
I’ve also learned that French social life comes with hidden costs—from hosting apéros to bringing gifts when invited to someone’s home, small expenses add up over time. These aren’t deal-breakers but worth noting when planning your finances.
Rural vs. City Living: Which Offers the Best Value?
Affordability is often a key factor for those considering a move from rural to city life. The countryside offers lower housing costs, quieter surroundings, and a slower pace of life, but transportation and access to services can be challenging. Mid-sized cities strike a good balance, offering reasonable housing prices and better healthcare and transportation access. Paris and the Riviera are expensive, but they provide world-class amenities and eliminate the need for car ownership.
The best choice depends on your lifestyle—do you want the convenience of city life or the tranquility of the countryside?
Is Retiring in France Affordable? A Final Thought
Retiring in France can be financially feasible and incredibly rewarding, but it’s not a decision to make lightly. Planning for housing and healthcare costs and budgeting for unexpected expenses are key to making the move a success. For me, the rewards of life in France far outweigh the challenges; however, having a realistic financial plan is the best way to ensure your sense of security in the future.
Are you thinking about retiring in France? I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions. Please leave a comment below.
30 Responses
Thank you this was very helpful. I am planning on moving to France from Canada
hopefully by the end of 2025 with my son who is 37 has brain damage and physical challenges
Best wishes to you on your move. The more information you can collect before making a change the better your chances at making it a good one. I’m happy if this gave you some information you need. Stay tuned and stay in touch.
Such a well written and helpful article Deborah. I’ve lived part of the year in France for over 50 years and this is a great blue print for decision-making.
Thanks, Ginny. I keep learning more about how I could have done things differently all the time. But hey-ho— I’m loving it! Best wishes!
We have saved a fortune since moving to france in vet bills alone this makes a big difference when on a pension with 3 large dogs!
Hmmm, that’s interesting. I didn’t find vets to be much less costly than in the States. May be different in UK. Good point to investigate. Thanks for reading and for your comment. Stay tuned…
The other thing to keep in mind if one is a US retiree, is that you still have to pay for Medicare in addition to insurance in France unless you are sure you will never return to the States. That’s another $185 at the moment.
That’s a very good point, Lisa. I maintain my Medicare…. Just in case. Thanks for the reminder.. and for reading the posts!
Hmm. Finances are exactly what’s keeping me from taking the plunge. I haven’t been able to figure out if my govt pension and my own savings (in an annuity) would be sufficient. TODAY they would, but Canada does not adjust for CPI if you live abroad. I keep getting conflicting advice as to whether France would tax the portion of my annuity that Canada doesn’t tax. Sigh
Hi. Apologies for not getting back to you sooner, but I needed to check with my associate at Peter Johnson. He says that if you are referring to Canadian Pensions, they are not taxed in France. Be certain to confirm that information with your tax adviser in Canada. Hope that helps!
I am considering moving to Southern France. I am reading around and trying to do all the research in advance to minimize big surprises. Good article. thanks!
Thanks for stopping by at the site. You’re doing the right thing by getting questions answered so you can make good decisions. Check out more articles under “Moving to France” on the website. Bonne chance!
I am so glad I happened upon your website! I’ve been considering a move to France from the US. I have lived in several countries abroad as an international educator , I am now retired and am planning to live long term in France. Your blog is an excellent resource for me. It’s been quite difficult for me to decide where in France would suit me best. I so appreciate your view on making the big move. Thank you, Laura
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad that you are enjoying the website. I love writing about my wonderful, crazy life in France. Please stay in touch and reach out if I can help. Bonne chance!
Another excellent article! Wowzers on the Medicare and having to continue to pay for it. I’m learning so much! Thank you 😊
So glad this was helpful. Let me know other questions you have … I’ll search for some answers. Thanks for reading and thanks for your comment.
Hello, my husband and I are considering the move to southern France. I was wondering can you advise of some locations where it is suburban but has the amenities of city life not to far away. We love the fresh markets, cafes and restaurants. We love festivals and events to attend also.
We have been to Aix Provence and Nice this past summer. Thanks for all of this great info so glad I stumbled on your blog.
Hi Annamarie. Thanks for your note. Of course, I love Uzès, but it’s almost necessary to have a car. Public transit by bus is very good and reliable, but it is 30-45 minutes away from a train station. You might enjoy Nimes. It’s very historic, good transportation, and lots of expat groups and activities — if that interests you. I’m not crazy about Avignon as a place to live, but lot of folks love it. Sete is one of my favorites if you’re want the sea, but not the glitz. It’s “shabby chic” with a lot of markets, cafes, musical and arts activities and beautiful white sand beaches. My nephew just moved to Montpelier and he loves it! You should check with Renestance and ask for some tours of areas around the S of France. Be sure to check back and let me know about your search.
Very helpful. Thank you
Thank you, Rich. If there’s anything in particular you need to find out about, let me know. I’m working on assembling some of the best resources for you. Best wishes!
My daughter and her family are moving to Nice from Bordeaux. I would like to move from the US to be close to them but the cost of living seems to be too high. I like the idea of being near the Mediterranean. You mentioned Sete. Is that doable from Nice? What else would you sugggest?
Hi Vicky, I know several women who have found affordable housing in and around Nice.I think that Sete is a good choice, but it’s not exactly close to Nice.If you would like some assistance with your search, let me know. There are lots of posts about both places on barefootblogger.com, too. Best wishes!
Hi Deborah, Great Article. Very helpful! I’m recently retired from the federal government in the US and I am thinking very seriously about moving to France next summer. I’m an avid cyclist and I really do not want to get a car but I’m concerned about high rent prices in major cities. I’m thinking Paris (Favorite city in the world to me) is probably off the table, but can you recommend any other mid range cities that aren’t too expensive where I could survive on public transportation and a bike? I’ve been to the Burgundy region and the Loire Valley in addition to Paris. I read Lyon might be what I am looking for. Any info you have would be most helpful as I try to “get prepared.” Thanks so much!!
Hi Deanna. I hate to be a self-promoter, but there are several posts on the French Footsteps tab of the website that might give you some ideas. I’d also recommend you check out FaceBook groups. There are lots of folks hoping to move to France. Let me know if you don’t find what you need. Check back, too. Here’s the link: https://barefootblogger.com/moving-to-france-from-us/
Thank you very much! Will do.
Thanks so much for these excellent posts! I’m learning so much, and these posts are helping us to refine our thinking about spending more time in France. We visited Nantes recently and liked it very much. How would you rank Nantes as a potential retirement location?
Hi Cela, Im so pleased you’re enjoying the posts. I’ll have to admit, I don’t know much about Nantes. I definitely want to learn more. Let me know what you find. Hoping to get there before too long. Best of luck to you in your journey. I’d love to stay in touch.
Hi Deanna! Great article that covered everything my wife and I planned for in retirement except for one point – resident vs. domiciled. WHile I have learned the US-French tax treaty covers taxing our pensions and retirement accounts the domiciled issue got our attention. We had planned to engage a financial advisor here in France and this certainly spurred us into action. Thanks for the link to Peter Johnson – I’ll give you an update to let you know how things develop.
Hi! So glad to know you’re connecting with Peter Johnson group. I’m going to plow into more information on the tax subject. It’s a big question for Americans. So happy you’re finding the posts helpful. Keep me posted! Thanks for following and for reaching out😁
Hello – Thank you for this very informative post. Planning, assessing, researching the cost to move and live in France his a very necessary and huge task. One thing to keep in mind as to healthcare cost in relation to Mutuelle – the older the more it will cost. we will be over 75 when we arrive – the cost is about the same, monthly, as it is in the USA if you receive Medicare coverage. we hope this thought/consideration helps