COST of LIVING in FRANCE | How Much Does It Cost to Live in France in 2021

[@SamFournier]

I’ll be in the live chat to talk with you all! I look forward to seeing your thoughts!

[@William.TRG.]

I'm a native french and went to see the cost of living in LA and i'm still shocked about how everything is so expensive. I'm so glad to live in France lol

[@SamFournier]

It is definitely ridiculously priced in Los Angeles, that is why a lot of people are leaving.

[@ragazzi25]

Your money has a lot more value in France compared to the US...Paris is not cheap but quality of life is amazing!

[@SamFournier]

Definitely agree, I actually live in Aix en Provence so it’s a little cheaper than Paris.

[@JourneywithJenandDrew]

Okay WOW this intro was so strong! Love the confidence

[@SamFournier]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@_KristiK_]

Omg i want to go live in France for a summer to explore every part of country!😍

[@SamFournier]

You should definitely do it! I can’t wait to explore more!

[@the_francofile]

We wrote about our cost of living as students in France on our blog, too! We live in France in the Grand Est Region and have a monthly budget of about 1,075€ for two people. You’re right about the phone plans here in France. They can be so affordable! Great video!

[@SamFournier]

Wow! That’s an amazing price for two people. Thanks so much for watching🥰

[@TheFrederic888]

And yet in Hong Kong where I lived not long time ago, its was half of that price for several times the bandwidth. The housing cost was another story 😅. If you talk with French over 40 years old, please engage the discussion about (real) inflation that has happened just after the introduction of euro. I promise you will get the rant of your life, or close 😂

[@jean-michelgaiffe3834]

Of course Paris is usually more expensive than other parts. But not always.. But generally, the more cities are small, the more prices are smaller too. In some villages or small cities, it's not rare for exemple, to find a full "regular" meal for less than 15€ (starter, main course and dessert) as a "menu du jour". You may have tap water for free or a mineral bottle for 2€. So... 😉

[@SamFournier]

Wow! Now that’s a deal😍

[@jean-michelgaiffe3834]

@@SamFournier for exemple, my cousin is living in a village, close to the city of BESANÇON, east of France, my birthplace. There is in the village an "auberge". Something pretty simple but charming. And he sent me the offer for the week (click and go) : " Bonjour à tous Cette semaine nous vous proposons : Nos entrées Fromage de tête de mouchon 4€ Quenelle de volaille forestières 4€ Salade de quinoa aux tomates séchées et jambon maison 4€ Nos plats Chili con carne au jarret de boeuf de région 9€ Dos de julienne en piperade et torsade 9€ Choucroute de l'auberge 12€ Rognon de veau à la moutarde 12€ Grenouilles en persillades des 12,5€ Grenouilles et jambon 22,5€ Nos desserts Carpaccio d'ananas a la coriandre 4€ Crème caramel aux oranges confites 4€ Infusion de pruneaux au thé 4€ " Of course, not vegan, but real food 😁😁😁

[@Meecheer]

how did i miss your videos - literally dream about living in france since forever!

[@SamFournier]

Make it happen girl!

[@Cookie-ye5dq]

I think it really depends on where you live and the cost. In WA, where I live, houses are about the same cost of what a home in nice Brittany, France home. Going to the movies in the USA for me is $8.00. I can have a very nice meal for 2 in WA for about $45 with a drink. Wine is way cheaper in France at the stores and restaurants. Phone and internet is is also cheaper in France. I can get clothes cheaper in the US. Buying a home in France is way different and somewhat time consuming and is up front costly....France does not ask for your credit score, they don’t have this. You have to have 20% down, plus and additional 8% for an Existing home or 3% on a new construction home which is on top of the cost of the home ( you can not finance this) they are taxes and fees. France does have a special savings account for buying a home with a higher interest rate. For where I live here in France my home cost me two times more than in the USA which is the suburbs of Paris. Cost of living is about the same for me here in France as in the USA, aside health care. My income tax is way less in the USA and sales tax. In the state of WA you do not have state income tax, like you do in California. I do have to say they have the most wonderful produce in France and meats...the framers in France are way more proud and concerned about the quality of their products. I can say this because I grew up on a farm in California. There are some wonderful products in California too The sad thing about France is the framers are being taxed to death and that’s literally, they have one of the highest suicide rates here. Living in France compared to living in the USA, there are pros and cons in both countries and cost runs differently, depending on where you live. But, if you choose to live in France, you will need to learn some French because everything is in French when it comes to documents. In the USA documents, you can find them in many languages. Frances National language is French and in the US we have no national language.

[@servantamyplant4474]

Thank you so much! How about governance fees like rental help, cost of feeding kids etc etc

[@dezafinado]

The official legal language in the US is still English. In communities with ethnic minorities, certain documents can have multiple languages.

[@Hannah24310]

Thanks for sharing. It seems pretty similar to here in UK, although grocery shopping seems a little steep but I guess that’s all the fresh produce? Medical costs sound great compared to LA, I am so thankful for our NHS. Minimum wage may be lower, but when you take into account the overall savings on cost of living, it doesn’t seem so bad. Our minimum wage for 25 and over is £8.72, which is around $12 and the overall cost of living isn’t too friendly on the wallet x

[@SamFournier]

Thanks so much for watching. The medical costs are definitely great compared to LA!🙌🏽

[@FrenchCountryLife]

Living in the countryside may be cheaper when it comes to housing but it is more expensive on other things. We for example have no internet or phone reception in our valley and we pay 70€ a month for a satellite internet connection which is horrible. I can’t upload any videos using it and often can’t even watch a video with it! Our phone cell phone plans are much more expensive than yours as well… our sons have a cheap one which is 12€ I believe but ours are 35€ each. We have experienced that we spend almost twice as much on groceries in France, that is really the biggest difference for us compared to the Netherlands. And I think another thing that makes living in the countryside more expensive is that you need to take your car to go everywhere so the costs for gas are making it more expensive. You’re right about the healthcare. We hardly ever go to the doctor or need medication but we did get some and I was surprised as well by how cheap it was. Also homeopathy is very easily available and very cheap which I really appreciate about France as we use mostly natural remedies. Thanks for making this video, I will be referring people to it as I get a lot of messages from people on my channel with questions about moving to France.

[@SamFournier]

I never thought of the costs to be a bit pricier for some things in the countryside but it makes sense to me now. I just watched one of your videos where you were working in your car because you had better service and the cows walking by. I loved that scene 🤣 I am so grateful for the healthcare here compared to the US. Thanks for watching🤗

[@gojereme]

Great insight! The difference in cell phone, internet, and insurance was surprising compared to America!

[@SamFournier]

It definitely was a surprise to me too! Thanks so much for watching.

[@TheFrederic888]

@@towaritch it’s everywhere the same. I have worked for one of the biggest international French company with contracts and contractors all over the world. Business cultures vary but the same patterns kept repeating contracts after contracts, whatever the countries and the contractors.

[@paulfournierphoto]

Life is definitely a little more affordable in France. Especially knowing you won’t go bankrupt if god forbid you need to go to the hospital!

[@SamFournier]

Seriously!

[@dezafinado]

Generalizations are NOT good. Affordable is relative. You might pay a little less in France but the income difference between the US and France is big. An IT engineer can make close to 200k/yr in California and taxes are lower. In the US, if you have a full-time job, most companies share the cost of healthcare with you and some is free. My cousin, employee of the school district, pays $150/m for a family of 4. If you're self-employed, it can be expensive... ($5k-7k/yr). The problem is when you have a serious chronic illness that may require you to stop working. That said, the US system needs reform.

[@cynthiagrayson7944]

Very interesting and useful information. Thank you.

[@SamFournier]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad it is useful for you!

[@rene.rodriguez]

Great video. We are planning to move to France next year.

[@SamFournier]

Thank you so much, good luck on your move here ✨

[@rene.rodriguez]

@@SamFournier thank you 🙏

[@TimetobeHealthyHappy]

Very well Explained - Compared to other " Costs of Living in France " Thanks 🙂

[@SamFournier]

Thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed it🤗

[@lavinder11]

This is really superficial, but the visuals in this video are nice. I especially like your hair and makeup juxtaposed next to the (succulent?) plant and yellow/orange light in the right corner. The new changes are nice! Proud to say I was here before y'all blew up ☺️

[@SamFournier]

Thank you so much for the lovely comment, it is so kind of you to notice the little details 💕

[@HaguraStudios]

I open your video from the video share day. I really can't be more glad! I absolutely love your style! Sadly I don't care about france, but your personality drew me in and I'm staying just so I can see you as a person! thank you so much for putting yourself out there for us to see. You are doing an amazing job!!!

[@SamFournier]

Such a sweet comment, it truly means a lot. Thank you so much for the support💕

[@TracyO11]

So good to always get to see you! Keep it up. Love you!

[@SamFournier]

Love you and miss you very much! Can’t wait to see you again.

[@DamonBowe]

Production of your videos is really nice!

[@SamFournier]

Thank you so much Damon ! It truly means a lot❤️

[@1Devonpen]

Thank you, this was very helpful!

[@SamFournier]

So glad to hear it, thank you!

[@AdvenTips]

Very beautiful video!! 😊Thank you for sharing my friend👏

[@SamFournier]

Thank you for watching

[@norbertfontaine8524]

I pay 45 € for my Internet plan (Fiber Internet+TV+phone) and 8 € for my cell phone at SFR.

[@SamFournier]

That’s an amazing plan 👏🏽

[@norbertfontaine8524]

@@SamFournier Amazingly expensive ;-) Which Internet provider do you have ?

[@BaileyShafer]

The area of the US that I live in is very inexpensive. My monthly expenses are $600 but I would love to move because it’s not somewhere I like being

[@SamFournier]

Wow! That’s such an amazing price 😍

[@durgalaxmy1666]

Amazing vdo. Welcome to Aix, a calm n beautiful place to live.

[@SamFournier]

Thank you so much! It truly is a great place to live ❤️

[@DamonDiaries81]

Hi sam..love.the intro! Thanks for the vids

[@SamFournier]

Thank you so much

[@yvanmarcosraffalli5201]

hello Sam . The coast of housing is very different in each region . As you know i live in Corsica which is not the cheapest place in France . I ve a T3 with 2 bedrooms and i pay 715 euros a month . It s a small village but I m at 3 mn to the beach by car . (about 3 km) I considere it s quite expensive . So in south west in a village I can find a similar appartment for 500 euros a month . Bigger is the city bigger are the coasts of locations . And in any region .

[@SamFournier]

Very true!

[@NicholasTSilveira]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@SamFournier]

Thank you for watching

[@yeoboocouple4692]

Thank you for sharing! So interesting to learn about the cost of living over there :)

[@SamFournier]

Thank you so much for watching, I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@kaysha]

Heya. New subs. Today's live w Doc Rock sent me 💯💋

[@SamFournier]

Love his lives! Thanks for the support🙏🏽

[@kaysha]

@@SamFournier My pleasure. Make sure you come check my lives as well

[@micksmusicchannel]

Great video. Thanks for posting

[@SamFournier]

Thanks so much for watching

[@micksmusicchannel]

@@SamFournier you're welcome

[@reklovjj]

Restaurant pricing in Paris really? Even a cafe restaurant in Paris cost double that of most regional restaurants. I’d suggest you’re making a Paris cost analysis or focus on Aix for the regular French pricing and way of life.

[@reklovjj]

The gaz cost is nowhere near the US. Gallon is 3.8L so 2 euros a liter makes it $7.60 a gallon! Don’t think Cal is there yet but…

[@MuhammadMI]

Superb stay blessed.Keep going!

[@SamFournier]

You do the same 💕

[@noefillon1749]

And I was actually thinking that drinks in restaurants and bars were excessively expensive here in France

[@paulfournierphoto]

Haha no we have it good here!

[@SamFournier]

Prices in Los Angeles are really high for drinks!

[@jean-michelgaiffe3834]

Usually not, but it depends what and where!!! 😄

[@dezafinado]

In SoCal, the Foodie movement has caused prices to go up quickly in the last 10 years. It's a life-style thing, so you have to be cool and go out with friends. $4-5 for a coffee-mix drink is robbery but American consumers aren't very smart. Bistro in France is ok but restaurants are expensive, especially for the bird size portion you get.

[@giantstonestudio4711]

So helpful video ❤️

[@SamFournier]

I'm so glad this was helpful, thanks for watching.

[@raulespinoza9987]

Wow that's awesome! The cost of living is a lot cheaper where you live!

[@SamFournier]

Yes, it definitely is!

[@shiftaholictraveller]

I don't know if i missed something in the intro or not... But... Was the total that you mentioned (1500) for one person or for two?

[@Retireonmybudgetcommunity]

Good information👍

[@SamFournier]

Thank you

[@alexandercityuni]

Can you please explain where is "here"? Which city are you talking about? Thanks

[@SamFournier]

I live in Aix en Provence.😊

[@alexandercityuni]

@@SamFournier Thanks

[@CARACAS1]

Hi it seems that $1500 a month is not sufficient to live a good quality of life. It does not allow you any room for transportation, entertainment, travel, and savings. Where exactly in France does a person live on minimum wage? Thanks

[@jimetalavera4251]

What phone plan do you use?? I’m a student and I’m moving to aix in June so I’m checking what’s the best option for me 🥰

[@SamFournier]

I have my phone plan with Bouygues and plan I have is B&you! Hopefully this helps. Have you been to Aix before? You will love it here!

[@Monica-wl7gs]

Girl 1,400 for an apartment in Pasadena is a steal!

[@SamFournier]

Right?! We were very blessed, I loved that apartment and it was in the perfect location!

[@vlogs.italia]

Video bellissimo top "

[@melodychakcit2153]

Hello Sam. I like the vivid explaination on living in France. . How can I contact you for more information?

[@annayahkaraha7532]

Thank you for the great incite into your cost of living. I wanted to know if your total costs for the month is for both of you or just for yourself?

[@SamFournier]

Thanks Annayah! This is the cost of living for one person except for the food is for two people. But my husband and I split everything since we live together.

[@realCatherinePerry]

Very interesting comparison. I know in the uk dental is free but in canada it costs an arm and a leg. Health care in the uk is somewhat free. I know there are a few things you need to pay for but then in canada majority of things health care wise is free covered through ohip. Random thoughts lol but interesting analysis for anyone considering moving to france!

[@SamFournier]

If only the US would start offering free healthcare. I hadn’t been to the doctor in over 15 years because I didn’t have healthcare. Thanks for watching❤️

[@realCatherinePerry]

@@SamFournier yeah that’s crazy. Now saying that we have a shortage of docs so not everyone has someone they can go to.

[@BobSmith-iu3hx]

@@SamFournier For your information we do not have " free " healthcare here in Canada, more specifically here in Ontario. The taxpayers like me pays for the supposedly free healthcare and the O.H.I.P ( Ontario Health Insurance Plan ) fees that we pay is a form of tax.

[@SamFournier]

@@BobSmith-iu3hx yes, I know. I guess I shouldn’t have worded it that way.

[@dezafinado]

@@SamFournier The French system is NOT free. It's financed by workers income tax.

[@fallonjustine2395]

Can you recommend any apps/ websites to look for rentals in France?

[@SamFournier]

Yes, you can check out www.seloger.com and www.leboncoin.fr 🙂 The best of luck to you on your search!

[@fallonjustine2395]

@@SamFournier Thank you

[@josemi72]

Still watching so I apologize if the answer is in the video but how are you getting past the 90 day stay limit? Are you there as students? Thanks!

[@SamFournier]

My husband is actually French☺️

[@estelamino6356]

Hello. THANKS what about u language as usa citizen .how long can we live in France???THANKS

[@udontneedtoknow6816]

Im curious about the cost of going to France.

[@SamFournier]

Well it depends where you’re flying from and the places you visit.

[@udontneedtoknow6816]

@@SamFournier I'm would be flying from LAX. If i go, i would visit the countryside. Particularly in the Langadoc region, and/or Pyrenees or Alps. BTW are the Pyrenees a better value then the Alps for skiing?

[@udontneedtoknow6816]

@@SamFournier Also, how important is it to know some French? I know it's allot easier if you speak it obviously. I appreciate your insights from a in country ex-pat.

[@kerynl.sanchez9891]

I would love to live in France for a whole month, just not Paris cause it’s expensive. Can you recommend a nice city not too far from Paris that is nice to visit and easy to get around?

[@SamFournier]

I wish I could help with this but I’ve only lived in Aix en Provence and it’s an 8 hr drive from Paris. You might want to join expat in France fb group and ask there because you’ll be able to talk to people closer to Paris.

[@Meecheer]

wow i am shocked!! it is actually affordable to live in France... I'm coming! haha

[@SamFournier]

It really is!

[@J.D.Vision]

One U.S. dollar = .99 Euros As of this post date... What was the exchange when this video was uploaded?

[@reklovjj]

A year ago as of 03-06-23 was approx $0.89 for one euro. Today it’s about $0.94 to one euro. You’re correct this makes a significant difference yet as an expat life is not only cheaper except gaz but trains are great and very affordable.

[@Vacationxdad]

Maybe I should move to France

[@SamFournier]

Yes !

[@Corinacc825]

For the phone plan .. is it $15 even for international calls .. is it expensive to call home ?

[@SamFournier]

I don’t do international calls that way. Before I moved I got a Google phone number for free with my old US phone number and that’s how I’m able to make calls back home and keep in contact with my family. You can also use fb messenger to make calls as well. Hope this helps.

[@Corinacc825]

@@SamFournier lol you can tell I need to venture out , btw I graduated from HS with your mom and found your channel through her FB page. You are beautiful just like your mom .. I love your channel and your edits are amazing ❤️ feels like I'm watching a TV series 😊 you are a beautiful girl inside and out 🙏🙏

[@Corinacc825]

@@SamFournier lol you can tell I need to venture out , btw I graduated from HS with your mom and found your channel through her FB page. You are beautiful just like your mom .. I love your channel and your edits are amazing ❤️ feels like I'm watching a TV series 😊 you are a beautiful girl inside and out 🙏🙏

[@reklovjj]

Dog-walk in France lol! You definitely a SoCal woman..

[@Eva-uy1nl]

How much does renter's inssurance cost ? Did you say 18$ ? I'm not sure if i understood that right

[@SamFournier]

Yes, that’s the correct price.😊

[@Eva-uy1nl]

@@SamFournier Thanks ❤

[@brianlooksaround6125]

When you say, “dollars” do you mean “euros”?

[@SamFournier]

Everything was converted to the dollar amount in this video☺️

[@caua1660]

What about studying ?

[@SamFournier]

So sorry, I can’t help in this department since I’m not a student.

[@Meecheer]

hello you were from pasadena??? how did you end up in france?

[@SamFournier]

My French Husband 😍

[@kerynl.sanchez9891]

@@SamFournier where did you meet him?

[@chelseaking5432]

Could you move to France without knowing French cuz I'm ready to pack my bags 🤣

[@SamFournier]

I did! 😂😂😂 I definitely would recommend learning first though because it’s not easy.

[@felicelilyivequit9381]

I want to move to France but I don't want to get the covid vaccine! :(..

[@SamFournier]

I’m not too sure about the requirements, maybe you just need a negative PCR test🤔 I’m not sure

[@felicelilyivequit9381]

@@SamFournier Alright, I will look into it, after all i still have awhile before im ready to move countries.

[@raulespinoza9987]

How far are you from Paris?

[@AntonandSinan]

It seems the US is very expensive huh!

[@SamFournier]

At least in Los Angeles 😂

[@noefillon1749]

I was wondering what were the prices in the US in general because I know LA is a big city and usually the prices are higher in cities, especially housing.

[@AntonandSinan]

Thé médical costs is where it hits the most, it seems. I used to live in Dubai and the cost of rent, alcohol and medical is crazy over there! For example, a 1 bedroom apartment would cost you at least 1500-1800€/month. Without utility bills. A bottle of wine is about 20€ and not a restaurant. And doctor visits, forget it 😂 Thankfully France is so much better at this ☺️