The Global Expat Hub
France
Food, healthcare and rural property prices that surprise most newcomers; the bureaucracy is legendary.
Your plan for France checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in France
Costs and character vary significantly within France. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
The world's most visited city — expensive but culturally unmatched
France's food capital with a more manageable scale and lower cost
Wine, architecture and Atlantic coast — increasingly popular with expats
Mediterranean Riviera city with sunshine and Italian influence
France by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Oceanic west, continental east, Mediterranean south. Paris has mild wet winters and warm summers; the Riviera is sunny most of the year.
Mean temperatures for Paris.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 640 mm (25 in) a year.
Snow Mountains; occasional in the north.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationLégifrance ↗
OverviewLaw of France on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Taxe foncière ~$1,000–2,500/yr; taxe d'habitation abolished on main homes.
Local & regional income tax None regional; social charges on investment income 17.2%.
🎓 University
Near-free public university ($200–4k/yr; non-EU ~$3–4.5k).
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $15/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Impatriate regime: 30–50% of salary tax-exempt for 8 years
- Near-free university
- Talent Passport 4-year permit
- Rural revitalisation grants in villages
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for France embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in France faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in France: remote work you can do from Paris, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in France and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is France safe for expats?
France scores 74 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 67 out of 100 for liveability — #30 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in France?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in France from around $2,100 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to France?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for France include: Impatriate regime: 30–50% of salary tax-exempt for 8 years; near-free university; talent Passport 4-year permit; rural revitalisation grants in villages. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in France for expats?
The top cities for expats in France profiled on this page are Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux. Paris is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.