Something that always seems to shock other Americans is when I tell them how low the cost of living in France is compared to the US. You pay HOW MUCH for internet?! I’m usually met with, when I tell people I’ve never paid more than about 30€ per month.

Internet, phone bills, groceries, going out, restaurants, housing, health care… the list goes on and on, and the one thing they all have in common is that they come at a much lower price tag when I look at what many of my compatriots have to pay in the States.

Now, all of this being said, the cost of living in Paris as compared to other French cities is quite high in the scheme of things. If you’re coming from an already-expensive area, you may not seem phased. You may even decide to stay in the capital because at the end of the day, it’s more affordable than someplace like New York, San Francisco, or Boston.

But, if you’re interested in looking into other areas, the good news is that Paris isn’t your only option. France is a diverse, well-connected country with cities that boast rich culture, excellent food, and plenty of charm in their own right.

Housing

Almost always the single largest expense in France (or anywhere else, really), and Paris is known for its higher prices. If you want to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city, you can expect to pay anywhere from 1,300-2,800€, depending on the neighborhood. Even a studio can easily reach 1,000€ or more.

In comparison, cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Rennes, and Nantes have much more breathing room — in square meters and budget. In most of these cities, a similar one-bedroom will range from 600-1,200€, or even less if you choose somewhere outside of the center.

Of course, the trade-off is location and lifestyle, but there is still plenty to do and see in places like Bordeaux (where nearly half of all my formerly-Parisian friends now live) and Lyon. A lot of the time, what you give up in cultural activities, you gain back in space, quiet, and a slower pace.

Groceries & Other Essentials

The difference in cost between Paris and smaller cities re: groceries is more subtle but still worth noting. Grocery bills in the capital can definitely run higher than in provincial cities.

However, local markets tend to have more options. Differences in produce and specialty items might even be better in smaller cities, where the supply chain is shorter and prices are less inflated simply because they’re in Paris. 

For example, a kilo of tomatoes might cost 3.50€ in a Parisian market and 2.50€ in a small-town marché.

Utility costs (electricity, gas, water) are pretty similar across France (thanks socialism!), but older Parisian buildings almost always have poor insulation, which makes winter heating costs higher. Internet is around €30-40/month in Paris, while some smaller towns may have deals as low as €20/month, especially if fiber optic hasn’t made it out there yet.

Transportation Costs

One of my favorite things about living in Paris is the robust metro system. I hated being a car owner in the US, so being able to survive vehicle-free has been a major blessing. What’s more, public transportation here is a fraction of what some friends of mine pay in places like NYC. 

My handy Navigo pass covers unlimited metro, bus, tram, and RER (suburban trains) within the Île-de-France region, and currently costs 86.40 € per month.

Other French cities like Lyon, Rennes, or Strasbourg typically have monthly transit passes that cost between 40-65€. If you’re living in a more rural area, you’ll almost certainly need a car, which can get expensive. Gas is around 1.80-2€ per liter, and French car insurance is higher than what you’ll see in the US.

Going Out and Socializing

Another one of my favorite parts of French life is its café culture and general attitude toward socializing. 

Interestingly enough, the price difference for a cup of coffee is very noticeable once you leave Paris. One in the city of lights could set you back 4.50-6€, especially somewhere like Café Flore. In places like Rennes or Angers, that same coffee might only cost 2.50-3.50€.

The same applies to dining out, drinks, and other entertainment. Smaller cities will have more affordable menus and the overall cost of a night out is generally lower. That said, Paris of course gives you more variety… but it comes at a premium.

Healthcare

France’s universal healthcare system, AKA the sécurité sociale ensures that medical costs are fairly consistent across the country. Whether you live in Paris or a countryside village, your reimbursements for doctor appointments and medication will follow the same rates.

The only real caveat here is that finding an English-speaking doctor will likely be much more difficult as opposed to in Paris. If you speak French well, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Paris does boast an unmatched blend of history, culture, and access — but it’s not the only French city worth looking into. 

Ultimately the choice isn’t only about the finances. You need to really think about the kind of life you want to build in France. I know for myself, Paris is irreplaceable and I do not regret a minute I’ve lived here. That said, looking toward the future, now that many of my friends have moved away, I’m no longer in my 20s, and even my French in-laws are planning to move, I do have my eye on some different French cities and towns.

Luckily, there are so many places to choose from, right? 🙂

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

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