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Living in France as a foreigner: What is it really like?
Thinking of moving to a European country? Find out what living in France as a foreigner is like and settle in Paris, Lyon, or Marseille.
If you’re thinking about living in France, it’s important to consider both the benefits and challenges of life as an expat. France is known for its high quality of life, top-notch healthcare, and strong education system. However, living in France also comes with challenges, such as high costs and the language barrier.
In this article, you’ll get a look at what life is like in France, covering safety, salaries, healthcare, top universities, and job opportunities for foreigners. We’ll also explore internet quality, which is essential for digital nomads. Keep reading to see if this could be your next home.
Quality of life in France
According to recent international studies by the OECD and Mercer, which assess wellbeing, safety, and social development, France ranks among the top countries. Whether you’re considering living in France to study, work remotely as a digital nomad, or enjoy an extended stay as a tourist, there’s a lot this destination has to offer.
How the education system works
France has one of the most highly regarded education systems in Europe, offering free public schooling up to age 16 and affordable public universities for both local and international students. International assessments show that French students perform above the OECD average, particularly in reading, math, and science. If you’re planning to live in France to study, these are some of the country’s most well-known universities:
- Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres): Considered one of the best in international rankings. It excels in research, science, arts, and humanities.
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris: Specializes in engineering, technology, and mathematics.
- Université Paris-Saclay: Has reached the top 15 in the Shanghai ranking, being one of the best in Europe in science, medicine, and research.
Safety on French streets
If you are thinking about living in France, safety in different neighborhoods is an important factor. The country is generally very safe with only about 20% of residents reporting feeling insecure in their area, and OECD data shows crime rates are lower than in many other European countries. Petty crimes and theft are mostly concentrated in big cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. Cities known for being safe and offering a relaxed lifestyle include Toulouse, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg.
Healthcare system and better hospitals
France’s healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world, based on a universal model that combines social security with supplementary insurance. As a foreigner, if you contribute to social security, you can access subsidized medical care where the government covers most costs, and the rest is covered by private insurance known as mutuelle.
If you are from the European Union, you can apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your home country and use the public healthcare system. If you are not from the EU, you can start with temporary private insurance, and after living in France for three months for work or study, you can register for a Carte Vitale to access public healthcare. Some of the top hospitals include:
- Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (Paris)
- Necker Hospital (Paris)
- Georges Pompidou European Hospital
Economy, salaries, and cost of living
Living in France means being part of a strong and diverse economy, with major sectors like technology, healthcare, tourism, engineering, finance, and renewable energy. The average annual salary is about $53,267, above the European average, and there is a legal minimum wage to protect workers. However, the cost of living can be high, especially in cities like Paris, where rent is higher than in Spain or Portugal and similar to Germany or Belgium.
If you want to come to France to work for a local company, you’ll need a good level of French to access the best opportunities. In international sectors, English is usually enough. The areas with the most job openings for qualified professionals include hospitality, tourism, construction, healthcare, IT, technology, and education.
Internet connection in France
For digital nomads, one of the main factors when moving to a new country is the tech infrastructure. In France, internet quality is excellent and ranks among the best in Europe. Several established providers offer reliable broadband, fiber, and mobile services, including Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free.
Mobile network coverage in France exceeds 99% nationwide, and 4G and 5G networks are widely available, especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse. Average fixed internet speeds are over 100 Mbps in urban areas, with some regions reaching more than 1 Gbps. Online shopping through platforms like Amazon or Cdiscount also makes it easy to get products delivered quickly to your home.
If you plan to travel frequently between France and other countries, Holafly’s monthly plans are a great choice. They offer unlimited data in over 160 destinations, including France, without needing to switch your eSIM. This makes them ideal for digital nomads and travelers who need a stable and secure 5G connection anywhere. Setup is quick and easy through the app, with no extra roaming fees. You can choose between 25 GB or unlimited plans, connect multiple devices at once, starting at $49.90 per month with no long-term commitment.
On the other hand, if you only need coverage for a few days, you can go with Holafly’s France eSIM, which gives you unlimited data just for the days you need, starting at $3.90 per day.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
5 advantages of living in France
Living in France offers plenty of personal and professional perks, from a high standard of living and strong social support to a vibrant cultural scene. Its central location also makes it easy to explore other European destinations. If you’re seeking new opportunities in Europe, here’s a look at what France can offer you.
- Excellent high-speed transport network: With TGV trains that quickly connect different cities and districts, you won’t need a car.
- Variety of landscapes and climate: You can choose from mountains, beaches, ski resorts, or natural parks to connect with nature, such as Mont Blanc, the French Riviera, Chamonix, or Vanoise National Park.
- Social and family support: The government offers various forms of support, including rental assistance, study scholarships, tax reductions for foreigners, and child allowances.
- Sustainability and the environment: Major cities encourage eco-friendly transport, recycling, and green spaces, and there are plenty of restaurants offering vegan options.
- Pet-friendly country: In France, dogs are welcome in many places, from restaurants and cafés to shops and public transport, and there’s even a cinema where you can watch a film with your furry companion.
5 disadvantages of living in France as a foreigner
As with any destination, living in France also comes with some challenges alongside all the benefits we’ve discussed. These can affect finding a rental, communicating with locals, and adjusting during your first few months. Here are the main drawbacks to keep in mind:
- High cost of living: In major cities like Paris, the cost of rent, transportation, and entertainment is very high, which can be challenging if your income doesn’t match these expenses.
- Language barrier: French is necessary if you want to integrate better and access more job opportunities.
- Competitive job market: In certain industries, competition is fierce, and finding a job can be tough without local experience or a strong command of the language.
- Bureaucracy and administrative procedures: The process of obtaining visas, residence permits, or registrations can be slow and complex.
- Difficulty finding housing: Housing demand is very high, and landlords often require strict guarantees, such as several months’ deposit, a work contract, or a guarantor.
Frequently asked questions about living in France
Adjusting to life in France depends a lot on your mindset and language level. At first, dealing with bureaucracy and not speaking French can be tough, but in more international cities, it’s easier to settle in thanks to thriving expat communities.
Yes, France is generally safe, but some areas are calmer and more secure than others. Cities such as Toulouse, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg are recommended for a more relaxed and safe lifestyle.
You’ll need a bigger budget to live in Paris, around $2,204 per month, and about $1,787 in Lyon to cover rent, food, transport, and leisure. In contrast, living in rural areas farther from the big cities can be much more affordable.
There are several visa options depending on your situation, such as student visas, work visas, digital nomad visas, family reunification, or residency permits. Each has specific requirements, so it’s best to check with the French embassy in your country.
Finding a place to live is generally easier in mid-sized cities like Lyon or Bordeaux, where landlords are more flexible and the process is simpler. In Paris, however, high demand and limited availability drive up prices and make landlords more demanding.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
