Moving to France
The numbers that decide whether France works, and the pages that go through each of them in detail.
- $2,086 is worth
- $2,688
- Healthcare / year
- $622
- Residency asks for
- €1,800 a month
1.29x
out of pocket, per person
Guides for France
France: common questions
How much does it cost to live in France?
Measured against published price levels, $2,086 a month — the average US retired-worker benefit — has the purchasing power of about $2,688 in France, a multiplier of 1.29. That is a comparison of price levels, not a budget: rent in a capital city will run well above the national average.
What does France require for residency?
France asks you to show €1,800 a month. The figure is pegged to a national index and is revised, so check the current requirement before you file.
What does healthcare cost in France?
Out-of-pocket health spending in France runs about $622 per person per year. Medicare does not travel, so an American pays privately or buys in locally.
Can I collect US Social Security while living in France?
Yes. The Social Security Administration pays US citizens in almost every country; the exceptions are Cuba and North Korea, with several former Soviet states restricted. France is not among them.