The cost of living in France. Typical household costs for property in France

Market research suggests the cost of living in France is 25-35% cheaper than in the UK. While that is happy news for those planning to buy a property in France, savings are not across the board. If your new home requires renovation or decoration, for example, you will find the cost of nearly all DIY materials considerably higher than you are used to. On the other hand, French food and other groceries are cheaper – and you won’t be paying through the nose for qood quality wine anymore, either.

Cost of living in France – French food and drink

The traditional manner of grocery shopping in France ie buying all your French food and drinks from the local market and specialist high street shops, is slowly disappearing. Just as in the UK, most people living in France now shop in supermarkets and hypermarkets in retail parks on the edge of town. Internet shopping ie ordering groceries and delivery to your property in France, has also become very popular (the largest internet shopping sites are www.houra.fr, www.ooshop.fr and www.telemarket.fr.)

6 eggs €2
250g ground coffee €2.90
250g butter €1.60
300g rump steak €6
260g pork chops €2.70
1 bagette €0.80
1kg potatoes €1.45
1litre semi skimmed UHT milk €0.65
1 croissant €1
70cl can of lager €1
1kg apples €2.20
6L mineral water €4.30
600g pizza €4.75

Cost of living in French – going out or staying in

Of course, one of the great attractions of buying a property in France is the chance to treat the tastebuds to the sensational tastes of French food. French food – prepared in the home or by a master chef – is just part and parcel of a lifestyle craved by many of those who choose to up sticks and start living in France. But food is not the only reason people venture out! Here are some costs that might be encountered when out and about, or even enjoying a lazy evening at home in your property in France.

Croque-monsieur (toasted cheese sandwich) in café €3.30,
A small black coffee in café €2,
Three course evening meal, €20-30
Taxi, local town trip, €6,
A Single bus fare in town, €1.30,
A Cinema ticket €7.50,
Large pizza meal for two, home delivered, €17,
Bottle of ordinary French table wine, €4

Other everyday expenses for people living in France

Most other costs of living in your property in France compare favourably with the UK, but always watch out for the odd anomoly.

250 ml shampoo, €3.45
Deodorant 50ml, €4
English newspaper, €2
French national newspaper, €1.20
2.5L paint emulsion, €50

Annual household costs for property in France

There is no such thing as an average property in France when it comes to heating it! Old houses often have poor insulation and it may be neither economical or practical to install a completely new heating system in an older property in France’s warmest climates. However, the following are some indications of costs for a home that has some mod-cons but has not been built in the last 25 years.

Standard size gas bottle, €25 (lasts about 3 months if used for oven and hob)
Electricity (based on 9kWh), annual cost €600
Gas (in a rural area with own tank), €350 annuallyWater, annual cost €450
TV licence, annual cost 116€

Cost of living in France -- driving costs

Motoring generally works out less expensive in France. Fuel is cheaper (although the difference, especially for petrol, is shrinking), there is no car tax and insurance costs are lower. But a second hand car will cost you more than its equivalent in the UK.

1L unleaded petrol, €1.28
1L diesel, €1.10

Cost of living in a property in France – the future

The lower cost of living in France, especially the excellent value of good quality and well prepared French food, has long been one of the country’s great attractions. Although there are some anomalies, and prices of car fuel are closing on the UK, the difference for most buyers of property in France is still a positive one. Vive la France!