Do you wish to stroll around Parisian boulevards or own a vineyard in Champagne? This guide discusses the measures to follow for a seamless move to France from USA, as well as any requirements. It will cover everything from learning French to finding your dream country property. Did you realize that tourists’ drive-up rates and many realtors take August off? But moving to France is more than just picking a house near your favorite place. Moving to France from USA without knowing French is challenging. We have a straightforward immigration process and a well-developed transit network. The City of Lights or a quiet town on the French Riviera, this guide will help you prepare. The only thing we can tell you is what you need to do to make it happen. Which visa and work permit you need is determined by the application process. You’ll also learn how to apply for government benefits like social security and healthcare.
Visa
There are various types of visas that will apply to your Immigrating to France from US, depending on the reason for your visit. You will need to apply for a different France Schengen Visa depending on whether you plan to visit, study, work, or live in France permanently. Since 1997, when France joined the Schengen Area as a member state of the European Union, you can apply for a France Visa.
French visa types – Study, Work etc
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter France. All visas must be obtained prior to departure at the nearest French Embassy or Consulate. The type of visa required depends on your stay in France: tourist, business, studies, family.
| Visa types | Criteria |
| Spousal visa | Your marriage certificate (also translated into French) Proof of your spouse’s French nationality A French residence form |
| Student visa | An official acceptance letter printed on university letterhead, outlining your full name, the details of your program and the start and end dates of study Proof of health insurance Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself Proof of accommodation Proof of a return ticket home |
| Au pair visa | An au pair contract approved by the French Ministry of LabourAn invitation to stay from your host family Proof of knowledge of basic French |
| Visitor visa | A letter explaining what you intend to do in France A letter confirming you will not work Proof that you can support yourself, whether through savings, a pension, etc. Proof of medical insurance Proof of accommodation |
| Work visa | Permission by the French Labour Ministry, as well as the French Office of Immigration and IntegrationApplication form for the visa, as well as a French residence formThe application will cost around US$100 Roughly take three weeks to process |
How to get France visa from USA?
You do not need a visa to enter France as an American citizen. You can move to France from USA and all other Schengen members for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without a visa if your US passport is valid for at least three months following your return date. Except for diplomatic or official passport holders on official assignments, or journalists working in France for up to 90 days, no visa is necessary to work in France for up to 90 days. Salaried workers must get a valid work visa from the French labor authorities prior to entering France. In addition, you must supply a statement from your employer indicating that you are on behalf of the company in France, naming the contact person(s) in France, and guaranteeing full financial responsibility for travel and housing in France.
French visa requirements for US Citizens
The masses of documentation necessary in France for everything from visa applications to health cards to social security numbers are well-known. Compile as many of the following documents as possible before moving to France from the United States:
- Passport, as well as passport-size photographs of oneself
- Birth certificate with filiation (names of your parents)
- If applicable, a marriage certificate
- Medical records (vaccinations, any private healthcare)
- A valid driver’s license
- Information on bank accounts and other financial papers
- Qualifications in education
- Tax returns and documents from the previous two years
How much does it cost to get a French visa?
The French visa application fee is due at the time of submission. After finishing the payment, you will receive a receipt that must be submitted with the application.
| Visa type | Fees in dollars |
| Airport Transit | 88.43 |
| Short Stay | 88.43 |
| Short stay visa for French Overseas Department or Region | 88.43 |
| Short stay visa for French Overseas Territories | 16.70 |
| Student Visa | 55.60 |
| Other Long Stay Visas | 110.10 |
| Children applying for short stay visas | 38.90 |
Do US citizens need visas for France? US nationals do not need a France visa to enter or stay in French European territory, French Overseas Departments, or French Territories. However, they must have a visa if they want to work as journalists in any of the French European territories, Overseas Departments, or Overseas Territories. The same goes for US nationals who wish to study, travel on diplomatic, official, or other service passports, or participate in a diplomatic or official mission in France.
How long does it take to get a visa to France from US? The processing time for a French visa application is between five and twenty business days. A long-stay visa for France, on the other hand, will not be issued for 15 to 20 days, and in some situations, may not be issued for as long as 2 months in some cases.
How long can a US citizen stay in France? Despite the fact that citizens of the United States are permitted to enter and remain in any of France’s overseas territories without a visa, the number of days that can be spent in these areas is limited. For citizens of the United States, the maximum number of days they can spend at one time is 90 days, or three months, which is considered a short stay.
Citizenship / Immigration
Introducing France, a large European country with a rich cultural legacy and a commitment to human rights. France’s population is now estimated at roughly 67.3 million. The French are the majority. Many Spaniards and Italians live in France. Many immigrants move to France from USA and other former French colonies in North Africa. The official currency is Euro (EUR). France is a fundamental member of the EU and the Schengen region, which benefits its citizens. Currently, France has no active corporate immigration schemes, although a residence visa is still attainable. A visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
French citizenship for US citizens
It’s no surprise that many American tourists fall in love with France, and some opt to move there permanently or semi-permanently. There are various ways to obtain dual citizenship. You can apply for French citizenship if you meet the following criteria: Living and working in France for five years. You are French via birth or marriage. If you apply under the marriage rule, your marriage must be at least five years old. You served in the Foreign Legion for five years or more. You have a Master’s degree from a French university after two years of study in France.
French citizenship requirements
The requirements for French citizenship are as follows:
- Living and working in France for five years.
- You are French via birth or marriage. If you apply under the marriage rule, your marriage must be at least five years old.
- You served in the Foreign Legion for five years or more.
- You have a Master’s degree from a French university after two years of study in France.
How can a US citizen become a French citizen?
Begin by asking your local prefecture for a citizenship application. You can use a copy of your birth certificate, passport, or divorce papers. A copy of your French residency card and a professional character reference are also required. Translate your documents from English to French. Choosing a random translator may result in rejection. Tax and employment documentation from France They will need to show school and/or military documents. When living in France for ten years, you must declare a past residence. And then all paperwork with the local prefecture. Job hunting can take years. Prepare and copy any additional prefecture papers. You must return them. Verify your punctuality with your landlord and boss. After the prefecture interview, contact the Interior Ministry. Once authorized, the Interior Ministry will schedule your naturalization ceremony.
Does France allow dual citizenship? French law allows dual nationality and does not require foreigners to give up their original nationality. A naturalized immigrant can so legitimately hold dual nationality.
Is it hard to get citizenship in France? It’s not an easy procedure, and it’s not for everyone. It only applies to persons born in France, born to French parents, living in France for five years or married to a French spouse.
How to get France citizenship by marriage? Couples can petition for nationality if they have been married for five years and living together for four years, or if the French spouse has been registered as a French citizen living abroad for three years.
Bank &Taxes
The predominance of online-only banks and multinational institutions makes opening a bank account in France simple. Expatriates without residency in France can open a non-resident bank account, whereas those with residency have more banking options. Most expats in France are taxed. Non-residents pay a minimum tax of 30% on their income. The French VAT is 20%, which is higher than the OECD average but lower than several European nations, such as Scandinavia. In this section, you’ll learn about France’s banking and tax systems.
How to open a bank account in France?
Residents and non-residents alike should be able to open bank accounts in France. Residents and non-residents of the EEA are entitled to a bank account, however, non-residents of Europe are not.
- A legitimate ID evidence (passport, with a visa for Non-EU citizens)
- Proof of French residency (address): Either a lease contract or a recent (less than 3 months old) utility bill can be used as proof of residency.
- A long-stay visa or resident permit
- Start-up deposit
Tax system in France
Once a French resident, you must pay French taxes (living and working in France for more than 183 days). You must register with your local tax office or town hall. You can get your tax form at these locations or online. The French tax season runs from April through May. You must file by May 31 or face a 10% penalty. Tax returns are required even if you think you don’t make enough to qualify for the lowest tax bracket. If you have assets in the US, you must report them on your French tax reports.
Taxes in francevs US
Overall, taxes aren’t high in France; social contributions are. Unless you’re exceptionally wealthy, you’ll have more money to spend in France than in the US. Most notably, in France it is necessary to contribute to social benefits, but in the US it is optional. So you spend less in France than in the US.
In France
| Gross Salary | After Tax | Tax rate |
| 28 000 € | 19 294 € | 31.8% |
| 45 000 € | 26 616 € | 41.2% |
| 45 000 € | 45 945 € | 59.4% |
In USA
| Gross Salary | After Tax | Tax rate |
| 28 000 € | 22 548 € | 20.3% |
| 45 000 € | 34 266 € | 24.3% |
| 45 000 € | 74 463 € | 34.2% |
Can a US citizen open a bank account in France? You should be allowed to open a bank account in France whether you are a resident or a non-resident. Residents and non-residents of the European Economic Area (EEA) have an automatic entitlement to a bank account, while those who live outside of Europe do not.
Are taxes higher in France or US? It’s not that France’s taxes are excessive; it’s that social contributions are tacked on top of them. In fact, unless you’re incredibly wealthy, you’re more likely to have money left over in France than in the United States.
The average tax rate in France. In 2020, the average single worker in France would pay 27.3 percent net tax, compared to 24.8 percent in the OECD. A single worker’s take-home income in France was 72.7 percent after taxes and benefits, compared to 75.2 percent in the OECD.
Housing & Real Estate
After a +2.4% increase in the previous quarter, the price increase of old homes in metropolitan France dropped to +1.4% in Q1 2021. An annual price increase of 5.9% follows a year-on-year increase of 6.4%.
Renting property in France
You have three primary possibilities for seeking a rental house in France. The first includes renting directly from a landlord. The second entails renting a house through a French Real Estate agent or a French property rental business. The third alternative is to look for a long term holiday rental.
How to buy property in France as an American?
Citizens and residents of the United States can buy real estate in France in their own names. If they do, French real estate will be controlled by French inheritance and tax regulations as immovable property and under international private law norms. This includes policies requiring forced heirship.
Average house price in France
Property prices per square meter in France in May 2020, by kind of property and in euros. In May 2020, the average price per square meter for a house was 1,910 euros and for an apartment was 3,520 euros.
| Region | Low | Median | High |
| Ain | €1,430 | €1,990 | €2,710 |
| Allier | €630 | €950 | €1,280 |
| Côte d’Amour | €990 | €1,410 | €1,890 |
| Finistère | €1,110 | €1,520 | €1,950 |
| Belfort | €1,100 | €1,460 | €1,830 |
| Côte-d’Or | €1,130 | €1,690 | €2,250 |
| Cher | €680 | €970 | €1,320 |
| Eure-et-Loir | €1,150 | €1,540 | €1,930 |
| Ardennes | €630 | €980 | €1,300 |
| Aube | €830 | €1,230 | €1,610 |
| Aisne | €820 | €1,130 | €1,460 |
| Nord | €1,110 | €1,590 | €2,170 |
| Paris | N/A | N/A | €10,210 |
| Seine-Saint-Denis | N/A | N/A | €3,640 |
| Charente | €800 | €1,150 | €1,470 |
| Charente-Maritime | €1,360 | €2,000 | €2,900 |
| Ariège | €690 | €1,090 | €1,470 |
| Aude | €930 | €1,420 | €1,950 |
| Calvados | €1,400 | €1,920 | €2,490 |
| Manche | €980 | €1,410 | €1,840 |
| Loire-Atlantique | €1,750 | €2,420 | €3,140 |
| Maine-et-Loire | €1,120 | €1,550 | €2,000 |
| Alpes-de-Haute-Provence | €1,380 | €1,870 | €2,400 |
| Alpes-Maritimes | €3,140 | €4,030 | €5,100 |
Are houses in France expensive? If you want to live in a typical metropolitan apartment in France, you may expect to pay a lot of money. Prices soar even higher when you move from a one-bedroom apartment to one with multiple bedrooms.
Is it easy for Americans to buy property in France? Foreigners are now not restricted from purchasing property in France; nevertheless, as a non-resident, you may find the procedure more challenging. This entails a significant amount of paperwork and due diligence. If you’re dealing with a real estate agent, the process will almost certainly be simple.
What are the pitfalls of buying a house in France? Buying a home without the required documentation (such as surveys and planning permission certificates), underestimating the expenses of modifications and additional fees, and signing contracts without fully comprehending the ramifications of French law are all common errors.
Jobs
Job market in France
France is one of the wealthiest countries in the world to work as a foreigner as it is influenced by political, cultural, and economic forces in European events. Besides that, it has the most magnificent nations with stunning cliffs, towering alps, scenically beautiful hills, and spannings. Overall, working in France in any field of your interest and qualification can truly be a lifetime experience.
Jobs in France for Americans
In recent years, nearly five million Americans moved to metropolitan cities of France to work in multinational companies as international employees. Holding a job in a non-French company in France is the best way to acquire a job as finding a job can be very difficult. So before landing in France you must follow these steps to give yourself the best chance to live and settle in France.
- Learning French
- Making a curriculum vitae or resume as per local customs
- Don’t forget your industry
- Start searching for a job online
- Work with a consultancy or agent
- Spend time in networking
- Prepare for interview
- Be ready with your visas
Job in France for English speakers
Foreigners or English speakers can do jobs in France with a condition that they must speak French, without which it’s difficult to find anything. So, foreigners must do a french language course before moving to France for a job. But if they don’t, they can go through these Jobs in France that doesn’t require French language skills which are as follows:
- Babysitting
- Big companies that work internationally by recruiting both bilingual and English employees.
- Set up your own business
- Freelancing/ editing /translating
- Ski instructor
- Estate agent
- Housekeeping
- Translators
- Bartender
- English teacher
High demand jobs in France
The economic activity that is currently dominating the job market in France is manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, and wholesale trading. The highest-demand jobs are software professional services, the food, and accommodation sector, and construction.
For a look at how much these jobs pay, here is a list of high-demand jobs in France, as well as average salaries of the requirements to get hired for that position.
| Jobs/positions | Average salaries |
| Physician | $158360 |
| Dentist | $139,050 |
| Lawyer | $128,310 |
| Pilot | $95420 |
| Health care professionals | $87930 |
| Financial analyst | $56260 |
| Software and IT professionals | $54,300 |
| Scientist | $54360 |
| Teacher/lecturer | $50320 |
| Electrician | $48910 |
Is France good for business? France has access to the largest markets in Europe which is why it is known as a Business-friendly country. It has skilled employees, talented business leaders, innovative employees, high-quality transportation services, and strong property protections.
Is getting a job in France easy? Getting a job in France is not easy but not that impossible also. You have to keep patience and search for jobs, register with online job portals, keep giving interviews, and remain patient until you get your dream job.
Can I work in France as a US citizen? According to the laws and regulations of the French embassy, USA citizens can stay in France for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. If you are working in an existing American or French company you have to apply for a work visa while moving to France.
Can I move to france without a job? Yes, you can move to France without a job as France provides numerous job opportunities for all the residents and non-residents in the country. However, it is impossible and will take time to meet the housing requirements, health care benefits, and purchasing health insurance to cover the gap.
Health
Regardless of status, income, or age, the French healthcare system which includes both private and public hospitals, doctors and other healthcare specialists provides free healthcare to every resident and non-resident in France.
Healthcare system in France
Health care system in France consists of a highly integrated private and public service network that includes health care specialists, hospitals, and doctors. Citizens are mandatorily covered with health insurance systems in France with additional coverage for those who have insurance in private hospitals. Government health care covers 75% and more health expenditures in France. The public healthcare in France is operated by the ministry of social affairs and health that includes both primary and secondary care services provided by healthcare providers which offer first-class preventive health care with other services like regular checkups, drug addiction prevention, promoting healthy eating, and physical activities.
Healthcare in france for expats
The French healthcare system for non-residents is based on an insurance system called Protection Universelle Maladie that allows access to public health care facilities in France after your stay in France for more than 3 months. It is difficult for an unemployed citizen to avail of free healthcare from public hospitals if the person doesn’t have an insurance system.
Healthcare in france vs US
The healthcare facilities in the US and France are going through a crisis of unrivaled scope as both countries have a large growing population that threatens to increase the cost of healthcare more than the inflation rates. Costly medical technologies and treatments are creating havoc among the public paying priorities. Still let us have a look at the healthcare facilities provided in both countries and compare the advantages, disadvantages, rankings and how both countries are different in their way.
| FRANCE | USA |
| France spends 9.8 % of GDP on its healthcare system. | America spends 13.7 % of GDP on its health care system. |
| The healthcare services and hospitals in France are mostly under the public sector and the doctors and nurses are paid by the French government. | The physicians, interns, and doctors in the US are associated with medical research and education which is why they get benefits from low-paid services. |
| France spends $2050 per capita on healthcare. | USA spends $4095 per capita on healthcare. |
| WHO had ranked the health care system of France as the highest among all the 191 surveyed countries. | WHO had rank 37th in terms of the health care system. |
| Despite having expensive pharmaceuticals, difficulty in affording recent medical treatments, and treating the agent population, France has provided public and private health coverage for immediate access to specialists and hospitals. | The Healthcare system in the USA is very poor as they were unable to provide basic pharmaceuticals, checkups, and medical tests in time despite having public insurance. |
| France does not object to choosing doctors. | Patients are provided with doctors during the initial medical checkup that can’t be changed according to the patient’s wish. |
| France provides ambulance with proper and ambulatory care and on-time service. | USA’s ambulance services are the worst. They are never on time and respond late. |
Is healthcare free in France? The health care system in France is universal for both residents and non-residents. Despite having private hospitals, 75% of doctors provide free treatment to the patients under the National program whose costs are compensated from Government funds.
France healthcare system ranking. The health care system of France has gained 40.08 scores by the World index of healthcare innovation and has been ranked 28th across the globe.
How good is healthcare in France? The healthcare system in France is paid mostly by insurance funds which is the combination of private and public funds where an overall 70% of health expenditure is covered through these funds.
Education system in France
The education system in France consists of three levels: Primary education, secondary education, and higher education. Most primary and secondary schools, as well as universities, are governed by the French government with highly centralized administration. The syllabus of these schools is standardized across all the schools for a particular grade.
- Primary education: Formal education in France starts at the age of 3 where children attend maternelle (kindergarten). Pre-maternelle (daycare) is available for children of age 2. While kindergarten and daycare are not that mandatory all children must enroll in the school by the age of 6 to continue their five years of study till age 11.
- Secondary education: Secondary education starts just after primary school which is divided into two levels:
- The college (first level) comprises of 4 years of study for students aged 11 till 15 where they get Brevet des colleges certificate after its completion.
- After completion of the college students who attend the lycee (High school) complete the 3 years of secondary education where they receive baccalaureat qualification which is similar to the US High school diploma.
- Higher education: After completing the lycee, students can enroll either for an academic diploma or a vocational diploma.
Academic Diploma: The Academic Diploma consists of three higher education institutions that are universities, Grandes Ecoles, and Specialised schools.
- Universities: Universities are mostly public institutions that provide academic professional and technical degrees to students who have obtained a baccalaureate or foreign equivalent qualification. University provides degrees in many subjects that are awarded at 3 different stages of achievements known as cycles within a syllabus those are mentioned as license, master, and doctorate.
- Grandes Ecoles : The Grandes Ecoles has several private and public institutions. The degrees are quite equivalent to universities but they offer three years courses of study in engineering, business, and public administration. Students enrolled to the grandest scholars are based on their competitive exam scores and a baccalaureate certificate.
- Specialized schools: Specialized schools are private and public institutions that provide training for professional fields like tourism, art, social, journalism, or architecture offering master and license degrees
Vocational Diplomas: The Diplome Universitaire de Technologie (DUT) and the Brevet de Technicien Superieur (BTS) are the vocational degrees that are offered by universities and High schools respectively followed by 1 extra qualifying year of study.
Education in france for international students
The education system in France is one of the best across the globe and is the most accessible one. With 71 public universities funded by the national government, the higher education system in France offers excellent and affordable education to all domestic and international students. The academic year starts at the end of September or the first week of November and ends in May or June depending on the institution or study program.
The overall syllabus is divided into two semesters each having final examinations at the end of it. There are two types of courses offered in the universities: lecture courses where lectures/professors cover theoretical subjects and students take down the notes.
In laboratory courses, students are divided into smaller groups where courses covered in the lectures are studied in detail in the labs.
Attendance in lecture courses and laboratory courses is mandatory.
Education in France vs USA
The education system in France and the USA are compared based on teaching methods, skills, language, facilities, accommodations, and other primary needs. Let us have a look at the dissimilarities in both the education systems.
| FRANCE | USA |
| Students go to school for 13 years with 3 different levels: primary school, secondary school, and high school. | Students go to school for 12 years with 3 different levels: elementary school, middle school, and high school. |
| Average tuition fees -$178.63 or $1071 per term. | Average tuition fees -$9139 – $31.231 per term. |
| The School runs 4 days a week, i.e. Monday to Thursday. | The School runs 5 days a week, i.e. Monday to Friday. |
| School timing – 8.30 AM – 4.30 PM. | School timing – 8.30 AM – 3 PM. |
| Students get 2 breaks during the day. | Students get 1 small lunch break during the afternoon. |
| Students spend 3-5 hours on homework. | Children don’t spend much time on homework. |
| Twelve courses are taught including mathematics, physics and foreign language. | Subjects vary depending on grades including mathematics, language, history, science, and language arts. |
| Students of boarding schools are provided with a uniform | Uniforms are not needed in the USA |
| Sports are not compulsory | Sports are compulsory |
| The lunch menu consists of a balanced diet and nutritious food rich in protein, carbs, protein, fruits, and vegetables. Children are not allowed to consume packed food and food rich in high fat, sugar, and salt. Students’ eating habits are monitored by management staff. | American students consume food that is high in fat, sugar, salt, and snacks. Despite bringing food from home, students buy junk food for lunch. Students’ eating habits are not monitored. |
| Children get a 2-hour lunch break. | Children get 30 minutes lunch break. |
| Lunches costs $2 – $3 | Families in france pay $70 for lunches |
Is education free in France? France has recently changed its free tuition fees structure to a process where EU students have to pay tuition fees based on their family income. This has an impact on the tuition fees of international students when they attend French universities.
What is the rank of France in education? According to the annual best countries education report conducted by DAV group, US News and World Report, and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, France has been ranked 5th among the best educational systems across 78 countries.
Is studying in France expensive? Studying in France is not expensive, even in metropolitan cities like Lyon, Toulouse, or Bordeaux, students pay monthly 800 to 1000 euros including accommodations, which is still average for European levels.
Cost of Moving
Cost of moving to France from USA
While moving to France, you are not probably moving empty-handed. You must carry important furniture, boxes, and other stuff which has to be shipped through delivery suppliers.
So check out the table to get an idea about the shipping costs of your stuff to France.
| Container size | Cost |
| 20 feet container | $814.69 |
| 40 feet container | $1379.14 |
Note: The rates mentioned above do not include miscellaneous add-ons like packaging, cargo, insurance, and door-to-door delivery. Most suppliers include additional services in their quotations so you can expect some variation in the prices and those mentioned here.
Is it expensive to move to France? Yes, moving to France is very expensive because extra costs get added during the move like transportation charges, packing, handling, flight tickets, etc. People dreaming to move to have a tight budget face trouble due to extra add-on charges that cost even more than their flight tickets.
How much money do I need to move to France? After moving to France you may have to rent an apartment that might charge maintenance, utilities, cleaning, repairs, water, and other miscellaneous expenses. The monthly average cost that you may need to move to France is about $2283 to $2560.
Cost of Shipping
Cost of shipping to France from USA
As per admiral insurance, the average cost of shipping belongings to France from the USA is around $53000 for a three-bedroom household. So, here we have made an estimated list of the average cost of moving your stuff from the USA to France.
| Origin | destination | Estimated cost | Duration |
| New York, USA | Rouen, France | $1205 | 15 days |
| New York, USA | Marseilles, France | $1276 | 18 days |
| Los Angeles, USA | Rouen, France | $3373 | 39 days |
| Los Angeles, USA | Marseilles, France | $3108 | 41 days |
If you want your goods to reach France asap, then you might consider using a flight service to move your stuff faster, which will become considerably more costly.
| Origin | Destination | Cost |
| New York, USA | Paris, France | $2587 |
What is the cheapest way to ship a package to France? USPS is the cheapest international shipping option from the USA to France as their shipping rates are cheaper than FedEx and UPS. FedEx and UPS can ship your package without a business account at a higher rate than USPS.
How long does it take to ship from US to France? A package usually takes 3 to 7 business days to ship from the USA to France with fast delivery options, 8 to 14 business days with slow delivery options, and 16 to 30 business days with the cheapest delivery options.
Living in France
France is a European country located on the west side of Europe. France provides a lot of opportunities for fun and travel. It has amazing architecture and beautiful cities that attract the attention of many tourists from all over the world.
France is home to beautiful vineyards, castles, and beaches. It offers world-class food and healthcare services.
Cost of living in France vs USA
You can get an idea of cost of living in France vs USA, by looking at the comparison list given below:
| Criteria | Cost in France | Cost in USA |
| Average monthly salary (exclusive of all taxes) | $2762 | $3259 |
| Basic Utilities | $182 | $162 |
| Transportation | $22531 | $20000 |
| Real Estate | $1754 | $1686 |
| Clothing | $115 | $76 |
The above stats clearly show that France is more expensive than America.
Living in France as an American
It is difficult to adjust for anyone in a foreign country. The major issue that you will have to face after moving from America to France is the management of the Cost of living. Living in France is, no doubt, costlier than living in America. If you are planning to immigrate to France from the US you should be prepared to pay the extra taxes as an American along with the local taxes.
You may also experience a cultural change while moving to France from the US. It’s not too difficult to manage to live in France as an American if you have a flexible nature to adjust anywhere. There must be times when you will find it difficult to adjust initially, but with the passage of time, everything will become normal.
You must know how to speak French which will be an added advantage for you to adjust to France as an American.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent healthcare facilities. | Expensive cost of living. |
| The great education system for kids. | Higher taxes. |
| Wonderful traveling experience for people who love to travel. | Language barrier. |
| Job security. All the employees are hired with a contract that reserves all the rights of employees. | Critical paperwork. |
| Diverse landscape with delicious food and wines. | Expensive transport facilities. |
How much money do you need to live comfortably in France? You must be earning around 2,000 EUR per month to live comfortably in France.
Is France a good place for Americans to live? Moving to France provides a lot of opportunities for fun and travel. France is home to a world-class education system, which is very beneficial for kids. France also offers great healthcare facilities.
Is it cheaper to live in France than in the US? Not much difference is there when the cost of living in France is compared to the cost of living in US. But living in France is comparatively cheaper than living in the US.
Which is more expensive France or the US? US is 1.4% more expensive than France.
Best Place to Live in France
Paris
Paris is the capital of France. It is located alongside the Seine River in North-Central France. Unlike many other cities in France, Paris experiences all four seasons, i.e., winter, summer, spring & autumn.
Lyon
Lyon is a wonderful city that is rich in cultural life. The city has many amazing theatres, performance venues, museums, etc. It is a beautiful city, located between river Saone and river Rhone.
Montpellier
This beautiful city is located in the southern sphere of France. It is an old city with historical monuments. It offers the tourists to enjoy amazing orchestra performances & musical events.
Provence
Provence is situated in the southeast of France and it is famous for its beautiful scenery. Many famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso emerged from here. It is also famous for its historical culture.
Sarlat-La-Caneda
Sarlat-La-Caneda is a medieval town located in the southwest part of France. Sarlat displays the most beautiful historical monuments of France. Many tourists are attracted to this place for its authentic architectural display.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a beautiful place that is located alongside the Gironde River. It is known as one of the trendiest cities of France with excellent transport facilities and beautiful gardens, restaurants, and cafes.
Pau
Pau is a beautiful city that is ideal for people who love a peaceful environment. It is popularly known as the ‘Garden city’ or the ‘Green city’ because of its highest ratio of greenery among all the European cities.
Dordogne
Dordogne is the home of the most beautiful villages of France. Along with a high density of monuments, it is also famous for Palaeolithic paintings.
Nice
Nice is the 5th largest city of France, which is located on the southeast coast. The city has a mix of different cultures and it also has a beautiful display of architecture and art. It is very popular among tourists and offers ample job opportunities in the tourist industry.
Toulouse
Toulouse is the 4th largest city of France. It is popularly known as La Ville Rose’ which means ‘the pink city. It is nicknamed like this because of the color of roofs and bricks of the houses in the city. The city offers a dynamic lifestyle along with top-class educational facilities. It is ranked as one of the most attractive cities of France.
Moving to France with a dog
The pets are welcomed to France but there are certain rules and regulations regarding the movement of pets to France. The pet must be 12 weeks old and it must be vaccinated properly with all the necessary documentation. You must have a valid health certificate of your pet from your veterinarian along with USDA endorsement.
How much does it cost to fly a dog to France? Flying your pet to France is quite expensive, it might cost you ranging from $300 to $1200.
Can I take my pet to France? Pets can be taken to France but there are strict rules and regulations regarding the movement of pets to the country.
How long is pet quarantine in France? Pets do not need to be quarantined in France as long as all the requirements of immigrating the pets to France are met.
Is France a dog-friendly country? France is one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe.
Culture & Climate
Culture
France is well-known for its diversified culture. It is famous for fashion, art, and architecture. It is home to different historical buildings.
French is the official language of around 88% of the total French population. The rest of the population speaks German, Chinese, Flemish, Arabic, Italian and any other different languages. Most of the people belonging to France follow Catholicism. It is said that French people live for food. French cuisine and vine is famous all around the world.
France is home to many famous artists and is very famous for its art and architecture. There are many historical monuments and world-famous museums located in France.
Climate
France has temperate climatic conditions, which means it is neither too hot nor too cold. The country exhibits all four seasons i.e., winter, summer, spring, and autumn.
The weather is pleasant in the spring season which starts in March and ends in May. France enjoys frequent precipitation and in summers it is quite hot, but the temperature rarely exceeds 35 degrees Celsius. The beauty of France can be seen in the winter season, from October to December. The mountains of France experience snowfall during the winter season.
Each region of France exhibits different climatic conditions:
- The western region of France has oceanic climate as it is located alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Rains are frequent in this region and the temperature differences are nominal.
- The country enjoys the continental climate in the eastern region. The summers are warm and the winters are cold. The temperature in this region can even drop below 0 degree Celsius in winters.
- The south side experiences Mediterranean Climate. There are heavy rains along with thunderstorms in the autumn season. The heavy rains often lead to floods in this region.
- The climate in the overseas region is tropical and the temperature rarely drops below 20 degree Celsius in this region.
What cultures are in France? There are three main cultures in France i.e., Celtic, Roman, and Germanic.
What is unique about France culture? French culture is known for fashion, art, and cuisine.
Does France have 4 seasons? Yes, France has all four seasons i.e., winter, summer, autumn, and spring.
What is the weather and climate like in France? France exhibits a temperate climate with mild weather conditions.
France Ranking in the world
France is one of the oldest countries in the world with diverse cultures located in Eastern Europe. Starting from the middle ages France has eventually evolved from Kingdom Empire to a republic country. It is famous for its art and architecture. The tourism sector makes a major contribution to the French economy. The French economy is counted among the largest economies of the world. It stands at the 11th position behind US and UK.
| Category | Rank |
| Adventure | 12th |
| Agility | 17th |
| Cultural Influence | 2nd |
| Entrepreneurship | 14th |
| Heritage | 4th |
Conclusion
Moving to France is ultimately a good choice as it provides many facilities. It offers good education for kids and a world-class healthcare system. You can maintain your work-life balance here easily. It has beautiful landscapes that are for tourists and offers great career opportunities in the tourism sector.
The cost of living is expensive, but the living standards are very high. It is located in the center of Europe and has very pleasant climatic conditions. France is home to many beautiful cities, beaches, vineyards, art, and architecture.
France has always been a dream destination for fun-loving people. It offers great career opportunities in different sectors. It is the best place for young entrepreneurs to make their dreams come true.
This diverse country offers simple and sophisticated living opportunities.
