Cost of living in France in 2026

Lyon, France

Family of 2 adults, one child

House prices - our house in Bron (69500) is worth approx. 450k€ today, for 90m2 with garden and garage.

Public transport - 10 public transport tickets (1 hour) are 20€, a monthly subscription is 74,10€ for an adult.

Groceries - I spend approx. 500€ / month for our family of 3

What is the price of a medical consultation in France? 30€ for a general practitioner. Other prices can be found here - [link moderated]

What are the tuition fees for children? Zero. My child is in a public school, there are no fees.

Internet, and phone plans? We pay 35€ for Internet, and 25€ for an unlimited phone plan (with the company Free)

How much do you spend monthly on leisure activities? It varies but probably between 100-200€. An average night out at a restaurant for a couple will cost us around 60€, more if you are drinking wine.

Île-de-France (Val d'Oise),

Single.

What is the cost of renting or buying an apartment or house in France?

1. Rent : studio apartment, €600 (water included)

What are the typical fares for public transportation such as buses, subways, trains, trams, or taxis?

1. Normal monthly pass (RER, SNCF trains, bises, subway, tram : €90.80 (Île-de-France zone 1 - 5, reimbursable by employers)
2. Special passes available (elderly, needy)
3. Taxis: way too expensive (Uber, Heetch or Bolt is way easier on the wallet)

Could you share the average monthly cost of your grocery shopping?

1. €400 - €600 (mostly organic groceries + eating out/takeout)

How much does health insurance cost? What is the price of a medical consultation in France?

1. GP consultation : €25 (sector 1 only), other sectors can set their fees liberally
2. Personal medical insurance (mutuelle) : €74.58 (depends on plan and company)
3. Social security is free but payment is only up to 70% (and depending on the type of care). The other 30% is payed by personal insurance. Nowadays, with the new government regulations, it's mandatory that employers propose personal insurance to their employees (paid by both parties at interesting rates).
4. Complimentary or subsidised healthcare available in case of financial difficulties (conditions apply)

What are the tuition fees for children?

1. Many prívate tuition agencies around Acadomia, Anacours, Cours à dom... : €40 - €50/hr of which 50% can be a rebate on income tax.
2. Public schools provide free groupe tuition or after school programmes depending on conditions and needs.

What are the average monthly costs for utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone plans?

1. Enercoop (electrical) : €85.77
2. Water : €50 +/- (included in rental)

How much do you spend monthly on leisure activities?

1. Less than €50 : music lessons (public regional conservatory) + occasional cinema outings, theatre productions, concerts...

Anything else?

1. Housing, personal and vehicle insurance : €35.20/month

@Hafiz

Thank you so much Hafiz !

Your detailed post will surely benefit our members.

I used to live in  Val d'Oise during my studies ^^

All the best

Bhavna

@Bhavna

Hi! You're welcome. I came here for my studies as well (ages ago)...still here for now...😅...

Likewise.

Regards,