[Bevdeforges]

Not sure what you mean by the social security need to be bourne by you. If you're on a French payroll, you'll have something like 22 to 25% of your gross salary deducted for social security, with the remaining portion paid by the employer. (And the employer portion amounts to 35 - 40% of your gross salary.) Income taxes are usually on you, as are your accommodation costs (unless you're a temporary transfer).

The salary you've been offered is actually pretty good for the Paris area. Yes, housing costs are pretty high if you want to live in Paris or the immediate surroundings. You should probably ask to see where your colleagues live - there are some savings to be had living out in the suburbs, plus the employer picks up half the cost of a monthly transport pass. But the ultimate cost of living will depend quite a bit on your expectations and your ability to adapt.
Cheers,
Bev

 

[Bevdeforges]

The French tax calculations are a little bit complicated (at least the first few times around). In simplest terms, you get one part each for yourself and your wife, plus a half part each for the first two kids. So, in your case, you get 3 parts. This means you divide your taxable income by three, figure the tax on that amount, then multiple the resulting tax figure by 3. (Puts you in a lower tax bracket to allow for the family size.)

However, there are lots of deductions and credits in there, too, so your taxes may actually be someone less than the figure you calculate. (You have to declare your worldwide income in France, so any investments or bank accounts outside of France may come into play.)

Age 4.5 will put your daughter into the maternelle which is probably ideal to give her a chance to pick up the language before she starts "real" school at age 6. Maternelle is part of the public school system.
Cheers,
Bev