Best Places to Retire

Cost of Living In France

France is a popular destination for most tourists all over the world. While some may only choose to live temporarily, you may think of living in this wonderful country permanently. Before you do, there are so many things that you have to consider. Deciding to move permanently to another place is not an easy task. Aside from finding a good location, you should always think of the new life that you are going to face there.

France indeed has a couple of tourist attractions for the people. In here, you can find the French Riviera, Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles. This country, located in the Western region of Europe is indeed an exciting place to visit. What more if you life here? Here is a little report on the cost of living that you might encounter when you move to this lovely place.

Housing Costs

Probably the most important factor to consider when living in France is the housing. You need to have a place to stay when you want to live in France. Even if this is not a problem, it is very important that you know how much you have to spend for this. There are so many apartments that you can stay in here since it is a popular tourist destination. Moving here, you will definitely find a decent place where you can live in for an affordable price.

Renting an apartment in the city may cost around €1500 to €3000 per month. Cheaper communities have apartments which offer rents at around €500 to €700 per month. Rent rates apply to France as well. You need to consider the location and if the apartment is fully-furnished or not.

Transportation Costs

Driving in France is the best way to go around. There are a couple of car rental services here which provide you with a way to travel. This is more popular for tourists but if you want, you can always rent a car. The usual rates are at € 90 per day.

The TGV train is the fastest transportation ride in France. This is an electric train that runs to France an all over Europe. Ticket prices may vary depending on the destination that you are going to.

Generally, public transportation such as buses and regular trains may charge around €1 to €2 per single-journey ticket. For those who want to save money, the carnet which saves a lot when it comes to travel. This may cost around €11 which saves a lot of time and money when travelling.

Average Cost of Monthly Utilities

Electricity is indeed something that you have to use anywhere you are. With appliances and all the equipment that you have to use, you need to know how much it will cost you when you move there. The 220-240 V is the universal voltage used in France. The local EDF is the national company that is in charge of the electric bills payments in France. Cost of utilities here varies with three different categories. The blue rate (3kW to 35kW), yellow rate (36 to 250kW) and the green rate (251kW and more). You pay for the standing charge and the price per kWh rate. It depends on the kW supply that you are using, the higher the supply, the higher the standing charge for electricity consumption.

Besides from electricity and water, there are other utilities that are available in France. Regardless of whether you live in a modern area or a remote place, you will get to enjoy technological advancements. There are telephone and internet services available in France with Wifi available almost everywhere.

Cost of Maid Services

Cleaning your homes is an easier job with maid services in France. There are cleaning services which offer an overall housekeeping service for residents living in this country. Usually, maid services would cost around €100 per week. It is always better if you just clean your home rather than spending this amount. It will really save you a lot of money.

Cost for Food and Drinks

Food is not really a big problem here in France. This is basically a cheaper expense here compared to other countries in Europe. Besides from the grocery, you will be able to find cheaper but the best deals on milk, fish, herbs, fruits and vegetables in markets and ports. Weekly, an average resident usually spends €100 to €150 for food and drink regardless whether eating out or in the grocery.

Healthcare Costs

France has probably the best healthcare in the world. Medicine is regulated in France so you have to order everything on the counter even if these are non-prescription items. As for medical treatments, doctors and specialists are self-employed. The average cost for a consultation is around €21 though this may change depending on the physician. For the cost of health, you do not have to worry if you are a resident here. Expenses for healthcare are covered by the state social security system.

Costs for Clothing

Clothing is very expensive in France especially since fashion is central here. Most world famous designers are located here. Planning to go on a shopping spree may be an expensive thing for you. You might find yourself paying for hundreds of Euros for a single piece of clothing. Good thing is that there are department stores that sell more affordable clothes and some are imported from China. Clothing, depends on you, may or may not cost that expensive.

The currency of France is still the Euro (€). Costs here are basically converted to this currency when you live here. The current exchange rate of 1 Euro is at 1.45 USD. Cost of living in France is generally higher than in most countries. With this, you can be sure that your life here will be great. Not minding the cost of living, you will surely experience quality life in France.

Learn More About Living In France:

France Travel Guide

France Official Tourism Site

France CIA World Factbook

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