Living in France can be relatively cheaper compared to the United Kingdom. Although salaries for employees are not that high compared to other European nations, the government does provide a lot of backup to business owners to give company benefits. As many advisories provide, the cost of living is dependent upon your lifestyle with the cost of going out an aspect that you need to consider, as it is easy to get lost in the sights and sounds of the French jet-set and haute couture lifestyle.
France is one of the G8 and its economy boasts a 6th place ranking worldwide. Industries are doing very well which mean that expatriates can easily find secure jobs. Trade and commerce continue to comprise the bulk of the economy. It is considered as a giant in terms of productivity ranking 4th in imports and 5th in exports.
France also has several investors helping it make 2nd place in outward transactions. A total of 57 billion dollars was placed in investments. In terms of per capita GDP, France also leads all other G8 countries. Tourism is also another main contributor in the country’s excellent financial status.
It is the number one tourist destination all over the globe. Productivity is good but the nation is currently experiencing low employment rate due to the aging population. More and more immigrants and skilled workers are needed to ensure constant effectiveness in trade and other business transactions. This has been clearly felt by an expat in a post made at France Expat Forum last August 9, 2009:
Well where to start, first of all this is just my impression and view, I have been here of 7 years and I am well travelled through the North but I have never lived in the south. In the country I find it boring and although I can not totally agree with comments that all the French are rude and unhelpful, I think it fair to say we are not popular in a number of quarters, I think resented is a better term. They resent the fact that we are here in the first place, they resent that we give them far more for their run down ruins than they could ever dream of. They resent that we have invigorated their economy and provided hundreds of jobs in service and other industries that otherwise would not have been available. But they grudging love our money….. There is absolutely no concept of ‘customer service’ whatsoever.
In the main if you need to work (like most of us) you have to look into being self employed, and the social charge system is expersive, most enterprises close in the 3 rd. year………
If you want a place to come and just drink wine, eat cheese soak up the rays and watch the seasons pass, it’s for you………………
Food and Drink Costs in France
The cost of food and drinks in France is significantly lower compared to other European nations. There are thousands of great restaurants offering the best cuisines made only of the finest ingredients. Dining out will definitely cost more but expatriates can also find a good deal of affordable meat, fish, milk, herbs, fruits and vegetables in markets and nearby ports.
France is one of the world’s largest exporters of beer, wine and bread. Pastries and wheat products comprise most of the goods for export. But there are also meat products like beef and pork as well as fish such as salmon that are continually brought out to the United States.
As far as drinks are concerned, France imports and exports wine extensively. Beer and cider are also widely traded. Locally made wine and beer are priced depending on quality but lower prices can be given if purchased directly at the brewery or winery or as wholesale.
An average individual spends around 100 euro every week on grocery items and food consumption. In Paris, the cost of commodities is low compared to other big European cities. French cuisine is very easy to get by in varying prices for every individual.
Clothing and Accessories Costs in France
Since Paris is the center of world fashion, clothes are typically expensive. There are virtually brand and designer labels everywhere. France is the place where everyone on earth can find the best quality and newest designs. Almost every week there are runway shows and magazine debuts are also featured monthly. Coats and jackets can range from 50 euro up to several thousands depending on the material.
Fur coats are limited but still very much available for big spenders. Suits, dresses and other classy items are sold in all colors and varieties at varying prices as well. In Paris, there are also unique items created by designers that can be used for collection purposes.
For expatriates looking for cheaper wares, there are a number of department stores offering different kinds of clothing and accessories. Chinese-made products have also entered France by storm that may have caused some designers to increase significantly in prices and avoid sales and auctions that may make people think of their original creations as mere Chinese imitations. There are though some low cost high quality manufacturers in this highly fragmented market. In the outskirts of French cities, they are often found as many multiple specialist stores that cater to the market of thrifty shoppers.
Housing Costs in France
Cost of housing has increased drastically over the past years. This is not uncommon since France has always been among the top three tourist destination countries. The influx of people coming in caused congestion a few years prior but the government is doing several housing measures and regulations that aim to limit the population excess. As it is worldwide, the global recession has hit the once red-hot property market in France, especially in the French Riviera as buyers drive harder bargains for the hard earned purchases.
Rental in nearby communities can cost around 500 euro every month while downtown apartment and condominium rental costs reach an astounding 1500 to 2000 euro every month. Fully furnished spaces will cost more as well. Rental spaces are priced according to location, condition and quality.
One-fourth of the French population lives in housing complexes subsidized by the government. The living condition is not really good compared to modest housing structures in the city outskirts. Farm space is available in the provinces at expensive prices. It is almost impossible to acquire land in the big cities today. Laws and regulations are also very stringent when it comes to expatriates owning French land. The cost of housing and rentals usually include insurance and utilities.
Services Costs in France
France has state-of-the-art technology that provides remarkable telephone and Internet services. Broadband networking is currently the trend and there are several WiFi hotspots almost anywhere in Paris. Remote areas as well are well supported by these modern devices in addition water and electricity.
Education and college grants are made available by the government. Public schools are subsidized by the French government as well since they value the literacy rate among the rising number of younger generations. There are a number of excellent colleges and universities in France. Students aim to study arts and communication in Paris particularly because of its cultural and artistic heritage.
Financial plans and insurance services are also provided to all working individuals. The French health care system is one of the best in the world, offering high quality of services and being easily accessible at the same time. If France becomes the country of your residence, you will be covered by the state social security system that also includes health insurance. Expatriates can also apply for insurance quotes as well. The government can provide funding for immigrants provided that part of their future income will automatically be directed to specific government or community funding.
But the just how expensive it is to live in France? A post made in the France Expat Forum last January 3, 2009 can summarize it:
How expensive France (or anywhere) is will depend on a number of things. The big one (especially right now) is where you’re coming from and what your source of income will be. If, like many of the members of the forum, you’re from the UK, the current rate of exchange is a killer. At roughly GBP 1 = 1 € everything is going to be expensive. And, you’re at the mercy of the exchange rates as they rise and fall.
It can also depend on what part of France you’re thinking about.
Employment Costs in France
Overall, employment rates have been rising in all members of the European Union. France has an employment rate of almost 90%. Majority of the remaining population are working part-time jobs including students aged 15 to 17 years old. Males constitute most of the workforce although majority of French women including pregnant ones are also working full time. On the downside, maintaining these employment costs has put pressure on the overall income of the French, as it is the highest and most expensive overall in the European Union in 2009.
France is currently looking for more skilled engineers, architects and teachers. Business investors are always welcome as well as those who are highly adept in trade and commerce. Expatriates may have a hard time finding a well-paying job during the first few years until they find their niche and prove their expertise in a given field.
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Hi, I am an American planning to move to France next year with my 14 year old son.
I am very confused about the best region to live and the schools. We are moving from California. I dont want to live in an overly congested city like Paris nor in a remote village!
From my research, the international schools are extremely expensive. Which bothers me because I will be paying the fees.
I like the thought of free education at a public school as my son speaks a little French; but I understand the standard of each public school differs depending on the region it is located.
I will appreciate some constructive information regarding my concerns.