

In France, homeowners pay less for more space than those elsewhere in Europe. On the other hand, expat retirees that have flocked to France in search of sunny shores and purchased property may not even have a monthly mortgage to worry about. It can easily swallow a third to half of their monthly salary if residing in an established urban centre. Paris and Lyon both appeared in Mercer's Cost of Living Survey for 2020, ranking at 50th and 123rd most expensive respectively out of the 209 expat cities surveyed.Įxpat salaries in France are also considerably less lucrative than the financial packages given to those who move to the Middle East or Asia for tax-free wealth or high-powered positions. That said, it's possible to enjoy an excellent quality of life on a budget in France. This is especially true in the south of France as well as some of the charming provincial villages.Īccommodation in France is frequently the most intimidating expense for expats. Expenses decrease considerably the further one goes into the rural countryside, a result of both lower prices and a less extravagant lifestyle.

The cost of living in France is high, especially in the large urban centres such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille.
