If you are planning to move from the UK to France, you might be wondering how the cost of living compares between the two countries. While there is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on many factors such as your lifestyle, location, income, and preferences, there are some general trends and differences that you can consider. In this blog post, we will explore some of the things that are cheaper in France than in the UK by 2023, based on the average prices and data from various sources.
One of the biggest expenses for most people is housing, and this is where France has a clear advantage over the UK. According to most price comparison sources, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city centre is €713.77 in France, compared to £823.67 in the UK. That’s a difference of 13.4%. Similarly, the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in a city centre is €1,258.33 in France, compared to £1,495.83 in the UK. That’s a difference of 15.9%. Of course, these are national averages and the prices will vary depending on the city and the neighborhood. For example, Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, while smaller cities in the south of France can be much cheaper.
Another major expense for many people is transport, whether it’s public transport, car ownership or fuel. A monthly pass for public transport costs €56.67 in France, compared to £65 in the UK. That’s a difference of 12.8%. A liter of gasoline costs €1.54 in France, compared to £1.32 in the UK. That’s a difference of 16.7%. A new Volkswagen Golf costs €23,000 in France, compared to £21,000 in the UK. That’s a difference of 9.5%. However, some readers have pointed out that cars are significantly cheaper in the UK and that they prefer to bring over their right-hand drive vehicles when moving to France.
Health care is another important aspect of living that can affect your budget and your quality of life. France has a universal health care system that covers most of the medical expenses for residents and visitors alike. The system is funded by social security contributions and taxes, and patients pay a small co-payment for some services and prescriptions. A visit to a doctor costs €25 in France, compared to £82 in the UK. That’s a difference of 69.5%. A box of 32 paracetamol tablets costs €2 in France, compared to £0.7 in the UK. That’s a difference of 185.7%. A short visit to a private dentist costs €50 in France, compared to £62 in the UK. That’s a difference of 19.4%.
Basic utilities such as electricity, water, heating and garbage collection are also cheaper in France than in the UK. The average monthly bill for these services for an 85m2 apartment is €139.17 in France, compared to £154.17 in the UK. That’s a difference of 9.7%.
Childcare is another area where France offers more affordable options than the UK. The average monthly fee for full-day preschool or kindergarten is €388.33 in France, compared to £1,016.67 in the UK. That’s a difference of 61.8%. The average monthly fee for after-school childcare is €200 in France, compared to £300 in the UK. That’s a difference 0of 33.3%.
Entertainment and sports are also cheaper in France than in the UK on average. In France, a cinema ticket costs €10, compared to £12 in the UK. That’s a difference of 16.7%. Monthly gym membership costs €36.67 in France, compared to £40 in the UK. That’s a difference of 8.3%. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs €15 in France, compared to £15 in the UK (no difference). However, a meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people costs €50 in France, compared to £60 in the UK (a difference of 16.7%).
Personal care products such as shampoo, toothpaste, or deodorant are also cheaper in France than in the UK on average. According to average prices, a bottle of shampoo costs €3.33 in France, compared to £3.5 in the UK. That’s a difference of 4.8%. A tube of toothpaste costs €1.67 in France, compared to £2 in the UK. That’s a difference of 16.5%. A stick of deodorant costs €2.5 in France, compared to £2.8 in the UK. That’s a difference of 10.7%.
Finally, one of the most obvious things that are cheaper in France than in the UK is wine and beer. France is famous for its wine production and consumption, and the prices reflect that. A bottle of mid-range wine costs €6 in France, compared to £8 in the UK. That’s a difference of 25%. A domestic beer costs €1.5 in France, compared to £1.8 in the UK. That’s a difference of 16.7%. An imported beer costs €2 in France, compared to £2.5 in the UK. That’s a difference of 20%.
As you can see, there are many things that are cheaper in France than in the UK, especially when it comes to housing, transport, health care and childcare. However, there are also some things that are more expensive in France than in the UK, such as food, some luxury items and some electronics. Ultimately, the cost of living depends on your personal preferences and choices, as well as the location and the quality of the goods and services you consume. If you are thinking of moving from the UK to France, you should do your own research and compare the prices and the quality of life in different regions and cities.
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