Category: Moving to France

Last verified: October 2026 — Sources: Île-de-France Mobilités, SNCF Connect, Service-Public.fr

France has one of the most extensive public transport networks in Europe: metro, bus, tram, regional trains (TER) and high-speed rail (TGV). This guide covers the main urban networks, 2026 fares, and the subsidies available to residents.

Types of public transport

Mode	Description	Coverage
Metro	Underground urban rail	Paris (16 lines), Lyon (4), Marseille (2), Toulouse (2), Lille (2), Rennes (2)
Tram	Light rail on the surface	Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes, Montpellier and other cities
Bus	Urban and inter-urban services	Every city and much of rural France
RER	Fast suburban rail (Île-de-France only)	5 lines (A–E) linking suburbs to central Paris
TER	Regional express trains	Nationwide: connections between cities within a region
TGV / Intercités	High-speed and long-distance	National routes: Paris–Lyon 2 h, Paris–Marseille 3 h 15, etc.

Transport in Paris and Île-de-France

The Île-de-France network is the largest in France, managed by Île-de-France Mobilités and operated mainly by RATP (metro and city buses) and SNCF (RER and Transilien).

2026 fares (Île-de-France)

Ticket / pass	Price	Details
Navigo monthly pass (all zones)	€90.80	Unlimited metro, RER, bus and tram across Île-de-France
Navigo weekly pass (all zones)	€32.40	Same coverage, Monday to Sunday
Navigo Annual (all zones)	€998.80	Equivalent to 11 months (the 12th is free)
Navigo Jour (day pass)	€12.30	All zones except airports
Single ticket metro/RER	€2.55	€1.30 reduced fare
Single ticket bus/tram	€2.05	€1.05 reduced fare
Imagine R Student	€393.30/year	For pupils and students up to 26

Solidarity fare (TST): 50 % or 75 % reduction on the monthly and weekly pass for low-income residents (C2S, RSA, ASS beneficiaries, etc.). For example, the monthly Navigo drops from €90.80 to €45.40 (–50 %) or €22.70 (–75 %).

Transport in other major cities

City	Network	Monthly pass	Single ticket	Notes
Lyon	TCL (Sytral)	€74.10 (zones 1–2)	€2.10	4 metro lines, 5 tram lines, funiculars
Marseille	RTM	≈ €50	≈ €1.80	2 metro lines, 3 tram lines
Toulouse	Tisséo	≈ €52	≈ €1.80	2 metro lines, 2 tram lines
Bordeaux	TBM	≈ €49	≈ €1.80	4 tram lines
Nantes	TAN	≈ €62.60	≈ €1.70	3 tram lines, busway
Montpellier	TaM	Free	Free	Largest French city with fully free public transport

Each city has its own transport card and mobile app. Prices shown are indicative and may vary by zone.

Long-distance trains: TGV and OUIGO

SNCF operates two high-speed services:

• TGV INOUI: the standard service with reserved seating. Prices vary with how far in advance you book: from around €20 booked weeks ahead to over €100 last-minute. The average 2026 increase is 1 %, below inflation.
• OUIGO: the low-cost option. Tickets from €10 booked early. Cabin bag included; large suitcase supplement €5–20.

SNCF discount cards (2026)

Card	Price	Discount	For
Carte Avantage Jeune (12–27)	€49/year	Up to 30 % on TGV INOUI	Young people aged 12–27
Carte Avantage Adulte	€49/year	Up to 30 %	Adults 28+
Carte Avantage Senior (60+)	€49/year	Up to 30 %	Over 60s
Carte Avantage Famille	€49/year	Up to 30 % for the whole family	Families with children
Carte Libertés	€349/year	Up to 45 %, flexible tickets	Frequent / business travellers

SNCF has announced that over 50 million TGV INOUI and OUIGO tickets will be available for under €30 in 2026.

Regional trains (TER)

TER trains link cities and towns within each region. Each region sets its own fares and passes:

• Monthly TER passes: vary widely by distance and region. A 30–50 km commute typically costs €60–120/month.
• Reduced fares: many regions offer 50–75 % reductions for young people, jobseekers and recipients of social minima.
• €1 tickets: several regions (Hauts-de-France, Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, etc.) run €1 TER ticket promotions on weekends or in summer.

Subsidies and reductions

Mandatory employer reimbursement (50 %)

Every employer in France must reimburse 50 % of an employee’s public transport pass (art. L3261-2 of the Labour Code). This applies to the Navigo, TCL, RTM, Tisséo passes and any other urban or TER subscription used for commuting. The reimbursement is monthly and appears on the payslip.

Solidarity fare

People whose income is below the C2S (Complémentaire santé solidaire) ceiling are entitled to a reduction of at least 50 % on transport passes across the whole of France (art. L1113-1 of the Transport Code). In Île-de-France, this can reach 75 %.

Forfait mobilités durables (sustainable mobility allowance)

Employers can grant a tax-free allowance to employees who cycle, scooter or carpool to work. It can be combined with the 50 % public transport reimbursement.

Other support

• Young people: many regions offer reduced-price or free passes for under-26s. In Lyon, the monthly pass for 18–25-year-olds is €25 (zones 1–2).
• Seniors (65+): reduced fares on most networks. In Île-de-France, the Navigo Senior annual pass costs €544.80.
• Jobseekers and RSA recipients: region-specific schemes. Check with your CCAS or regional council.

EU vs non-EU differences

Aspect	EU/EEA/Swiss nationals	Non-EU nationals
Access to public transport	No restriction	No restriction
Passes and tickets	Same prices	Same prices
50 % employer reimbursement	Yes, if employed	Yes, if employed with a legal contract
Solidarity fares	Income-based eligibility	Income-based eligibility + valid residence permit

Useful apps and tools

• SNCF Connect: book TGV, TER and Intercités tickets.
• Île-de-France Mobilités app: timetables, routes and ticket purchase in Paris.
• Citymapper: multimodal planner for Paris, Lyon and other cities.
• Google Maps / Moovit: public transport directions across France.
• Local apps: TCL (Lyon), RTM (Marseille), Tisséo (Toulouse), TBM (Bordeaux), etc.

Related guides

• Cost of living in France 2026
• Schooling for foreign children in France
• Driving licence in France
• Your first 30 days in France

Official sources

• Île-de-France Mobilités — 2026 fares
• SNCF Connect — Book tickets
• Service-Public.fr — Employer transport cost reimbursement

---

Fares and conditions may vary by city and region. Always check the official website of your local transport network for up-to-date information.

Last verified: October 2026 — Sources: INSEE, info.gouv.fr, Finorum, participatory data (Numbeo)

How much does it cost to live in France in 2026? This guide brings together up-to-date figures on rent, food, transport, utilities and monthly budgets by household type and city. We clearly distinguish between official data (INSEE, Government), editorial estimates and illustrative budgets so you can assess your own situation with reliable context.

Inflation in France in 2026

The consumer price index (CPI) published by INSEE shows year-on-year inflation of 2.2% in April 2026 (provisional figure). The harmonised European index (HICP) stood at 2.5%. The main driver was energy (+14.2% year-on-year), while food rose by 1.3% and services by 1.9%. Manufactured goods fell by 0.6%.

For August 2026, the provisional CPI estimate is 2.4% year-on-year (HICP 2.7%), with energy still the leading factor (+16.7%).

Source: INSEE — Informations Rapides, April 2026.

Minimum wage (SMIC) in 2026

The SMIC has been raised twice in 2026:

Date	Gross hourly SMIC	Gross monthly SMIC (35 h)	Net monthly SMIC (estimate)
1 January 2026	€12.02	€1,823.03	≈ €1,443
1 June 2026	€12.31	€1,867.02	≈ €1,478

Source: info.gouv.fr.

Rent by city

Rents vary enormously between Paris and the rest of the country. The figures below are indicative ranges drawn from participatory data and market observatories. They do not include building charges (charges).

City	Studio/1-bed (centre)	Studio/1-bed (outskirts)	3-bed (centre)	3-bed (outskirts)
Paris	€1,100–1,800	€750–1,300	€2,500–3,500	€1,500–2,500
Lyon	€650–1,000	€450–800	€1,200–2,100	€800–1,900
Toulouse	€700–850	€530–700	€1,200–1,500	€900–1,100

In Paris, the OLAP official reference for unfurnished private rentals was €26.3/m² per month as of 1 January 2025 (excluding charges). Letting-agent fees charged to tenants are capped at €12.10/m² in very tight housing areas, €10.09/m² in tight areas and €8.07/m² elsewhere.

Food

Supermarket shopping (editorial estimates)

Household type	Estimated monthly budget
Single adult	€250–350
Couple	€450–650
Family (2 adults + 2 children)	€700–950

Reference prices (Lyon, 2026)

Product	Indicative price
Milk (1 L)	€1.00–1.80
Bread (500 g)	€1.00–3.60
Eggs (dozen)	€2.50–6.80
Rice (1 kg)	€1.90–3.80
Chicken breast (1 kg)	€7.50–20.00
Local cheese (1 kg)	€18–32
Apples (1 kg)	€1.00–3.50
Tomatoes (1 kg)	€2.00–3.90
Bottled water (1.5 L)	€0.35–1.90

Eating out (Paris, 2026)

Item	Indicative price
Budget meal (1 person)	€12–22
Mid-range dinner (2 people, 3 courses)	€60–90
Cappuccino	€2–6
Pint of beer	€6–8

Transport

City / item	Price
Paris — single ticket (Métro/RER)	€2.55
Paris — Navigo monthly pass (zones 1-5)	€90.80
Lyon — TCL monthly pass (ages 26-64, zones 1-2)	€75.90
Toulouse — single ticket	€1.90
Toulouse — monthly pass (31 days)	€59.00

Good to know: private-sector employees are entitled to at least 50% reimbursement of their public-transport pass by their employer.

Fuel

National average prices (week of 2 October 2026, source: DGEC):

• Unleaded SP95-E10: €2.14 / litre
• Diesel: €2.36 / litre

Utilities and household expenses

Item	Estimated monthly range
Electricity (no heating)	€35–65
Electricity (electric heating)	€70–160 (annual average)
Gas or collective heating	€50–130 (annual average)
Water and sanitation	€15–35
Waste collection	€5–20
Building charges	€30–80
Internet (fibre)	€25–40
Mobile phone	€10–20 per line
Renter’s insurance	€10–25 equivalent

The regulated electricity tariff (Tarif Bleu EDF, base option, 6 kVA) is €0.2001/kWh incl. tax since 1 August 2026 (+2.5% on average). Source: Selectra / CRE.

Illustrative monthly budgets

The figures below are editorial estimates for guidance only, not official data. They include rent, food, transport, utilities and basic expenses:

Household type	Toulouse (estimate)	Paris (estimate)
Single adult	≈ €1,575	≈ €2,400
Couple	≈ €2,295	≈ €3,510
Family (2 adults + 2 children)	≈ €3,620	≈ €5,320

These budgets assume a modest but comfortable standard of living. Living in Paris costs roughly 40–50% more than a medium-sized city in the provinces, mainly due to rent.

France in the European context

According to preliminary Eurostat data for 2025, France’s consumer price level is 10.3% above the EU average (index 110.3, EU = 100). By category:

Category	France index (EU = 100)
Housing, water, electricity, gas	120.7
Restaurants and accommodation	116.0
Transport	108.2
Food and non-alcoholic beverages	106.8
Clothing and footwear	97.0

Practical tips to reduce expenses

• Housing: consider mid-sized cities (Toulouse, Nantes, Rennes, Montpellier) where rent is significantly lower than in Paris. If you are a student, apply for a housing benefit (APL) from the CAF.
• Food: shop at local markets, Lidl or Aldi. Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables.
• Transport: a monthly pass is usually the cheapest option if you use public transport daily. Remember that your employer must reimburse at least 50%.
• Telecoms: French operators (Free, Bouygues, SFR, Orange) offer very competitive mobile plans from €5–10/month.
• Energy: compare offers using the official comparator from the energy mediator (energie-info.fr).

Related guides

• Health insurance in France
• Driving licence in France
• Titre de séjour in France
• Social security number in France
• Your first 30 days in France
• Public transport in France: trains, metro and travel passes

Official sources and methodology

• INSEE — CPI April 2026 (provisional)
• info.gouv.fr — SMIC 1 June 2026
• Selectra — Regulated electricity tariff
• Finorum — Cost of living in France

---

Prices shown are for guidance only and may vary by area, season and personal circumstances. Official figures (INSEE, Government) are identified by their source; price ranges, rent ranges and budgets are editorial estimates or participatory data, not official statistics. Always check the sources listed for your specific situation.

Last verified: October 2026

You have just arrived in France. There is a lot to do and everything feels urgent. This guide gives you a practical, week-by-week order for your first 30 days so you don’t waste time or skip a step that blocks the next one.

Week 1: the urgent essentials

1. Get a proof of address

Without an address, you cannot do anything. If you do not have a rental contract yet, ask the person hosting you for an attestation d’hébergement (accommodation certificate) along with a copy of their ID and a utility bill in their name. This document will work temporarily for opening a bank account, registering with the Sécurité sociale and other administrative steps. See our guide to proof of address in France for full details.

2. Open a bank account

You need a French RIB (bank details slip) to get paid, receive benefits and pay rent. See our guide to opening a bank account in France.

3. Get a French phone number

Many online services and government portals require a French phone number (+33). The cheapest options are prepaid SIM cards or no-commitment plans (forfaits sans engagement) from operators such as Free Mobile, B&You or RED by SFR. You can buy a SIM at any phone shop or online, and many are available at airports and train stations on arrival.

Week 2: social protection

4. Register with the Sécurité sociale

If you are employed, your employer registers you. If you are not working, contact the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) in your département. See our guide to the Carte Vitale. If you move your habitual residence to France, do not assume the EHIC will cover the waiting period: check your CPAM registration or eligibility for an S1 form.

5. Apply for CAF benefits

If you rent, you can apply for housing aid (APL) from the first month. If you work on a modest income, also apply for the prime d’activité. Do not wait: the sooner you apply, the sooner you start receiving payments. See our guide to CAF benefits.

Week 3: organise daily life

6. Take out home insurance

Home insurance (assurance habitation) is mandatory from the day you sign a rental contract. You can take out a policy online in minutes. Your landlord will ask for the attestation d’assurance habitation (proof of insurance certificate).

7. Set up utilities

Electricity (EDF or an alternative provider), gas (if applicable) and internet. Most can be set up by phone or online. An electricity bill in your name is the best proof of address for later administrative procedures.

8. Choose a primary-care doctor

Declare a médecin traitant (primary-care doctor) so your healthcare reimbursements are fully covered. You can search for one on annuairesante.ameli.fr. The declaration is made directly at the doctor’s office.

Week 4: consolidate

9. Create your tax account

Register at impots.gouv.fr as a new resident. Your first income-tax return will be due in the spring following your arrival. If you work, income tax is deducted at source (prélèvement à la source) from your payslip from the first month. See our guide to filing taxes in France for more details.

10. Register with your country’s consulate (optional but recommended)

It is not compulsory, but it makes consular procedures easier (renewing a passport, voting abroad, emergencies). Many consulates allow online registration.

Document checklist: what you will need repeatedly

• Passport or national ID card (colour copy).
• Recent proof of address (less than 3 months old).
• RIB from your French bank account.
• Employment contract or proof of income.
• Birth certificate (translated by a sworn translator if requested).
• Attestation de droits from the Sécurité sociale (once you receive it).

Final tip: create both digital and physical folders for all your documents. The French administration will ask for them over and over again.

Related guides

• Moving to France from another European country
• How to apply for a Carte Vitale in France
• How to open a bank account in France
• How to rent an apartment in France
• CAF benefits: APL and prime d’activité
• Proof of address in France (justificatif de domicile)
• Studying in France: Parcoursup, universities and paperwork

---

Timelines and requirements may vary depending on your département, nationality and personal situation. This guide is for information only and does not replace direct consultation with the relevant authorities.

Last verified: October 2026 — Sources: Service-Public.fr, Service-Public.fr (long-term stay)

If you hold a passport from an EU country, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you can settle in France freely. You don’t need a visa or work permit. But “freedom of movement” doesn’t mean “no paperwork”: there are steps you need to take to work legally, access healthcare and organise your daily life.

Your right to live in France as a European

As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you have the right to enter France with a valid ID card or passport. During the first three months, you can reside without any additional conditions.

After three months, you must be able to justify your presence for one of these reasons:

• You work in France (as an employee or self-employed).
• You study at a recognised institution and have sufficient resources and health insurance.
• You are inactive (retired, financially independent) and have sufficient resources so as not to depend on the French social protection system, plus health insurance.
• You are a family member of someone who meets one of the above conditions.

Key difference with other countries: unlike Belgium, Luxembourg or Germany, France does not require Europeans to register at the town hall (mairie) or obtain a residence permit to live in the country. The carte de séjour for EU citizens is optional, though it can facilitate some banking or administrative procedures.

Before moving: what to prepare

Essential documents

• Valid ID card or passport.
• Recent birth certificate (some French administrations require it translated into French by a sworn translator or with an apostille).
• Criminal record check (may be required for certain jobs).
• Academic qualifications with the Hague Apostille if you want to have them recognised.
• Driving licence (a licence from an EU country is valid in France without exchange).
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): intended for temporary stays, not as a substitute for registering healthcare rights when relocating.

Tip: bring copies of everything

French administration asks for documents frequently. Bring several paper copies and digital scans of everything: ID, birth certificate, employment contract, proof of address, etc.

Upon arrival in France: first steps

1. Find housing

Without a fixed address, you can do almost nothing in France. The justificatif de domicile (proof of address) is the most requested document. It can be an electricity, gas or internet bill in your name, or an attestation d’hébergement (hosting certificate) if you are temporarily staying at someone’s home. See our guide to renting accommodation for details.

2. Open a bank account

You will need a RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) to receive your salary, benefits or medical reimbursements. Traditional banks (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, La Banque Postale) require proof of address. Online banks and neobanks can open an account with fewer requirements.

3. Register with the French Social Security

France’s public healthcare operates through the Sécurité sociale. If you work, your employer registers you. If you don’t, you must apply at the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) in your department. Do not assume the EHIC will cover you after moving your habitual residence: check whether you must register with the CPAM or use an S1 form. See our Carte Vitale guide.

4. Get a Sécurité sociale number

This is your identification number in the social protection system (13 digits). You need it for the doctor, the pharmacy, social benefits and taxes. As a foreigner, you first receive a provisional number (NIA) and later the permanent one. The process can take from weeks to several months.

5. File taxes

If you reside in France for more than 183 days a year, you are a French tax resident. Your first income tax return (impôt sur le revenu) must be filed in the spring following your arrival. Tax is withheld directly from your payslip (prélèvement à la source).

Work: what you need to know

As a European, you can work in France without a work permit. Key points:

• The most common employment contracts are the CDI (permanent contract) and the CDD (fixed-term contract).
• The minimum wage (SMIC) in 2026 is €1,867.02 gross/month for 35 hours per week. See our SMIC article.
• France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) is the public employment service: francetravail.fr.
• University degrees are not automatically recognised, but many employers accept European diplomas without further formalities.

Non-European family members

Your spouse, registered partner (PACS) and children under 21 (or dependants) can accompany or join you in France. If they are from outside the EU:

• They can enter with a passport (and visa if their nationality requires one for the Schengen area).
• They must apply for a carte de séjour de membre de la famille d’un citoyen de l’UE at the prefecture within 3 months of arrival.
• If your family members were not living with you in your home country, the procedure is different and may require a regroupement familial.

After 5 years: permanent residence

After five years of legal and uninterrupted residence in France, you acquire a right to permanent residence. You can apply for a carte de séjour permanente (optional). With it, you no longer need to justify resources or professional activity to continue living in France.

Quick moving checklist

1. Gather essential documents (ID, birth certificate, EHIC).
2. Apply for the European Health Insurance Card before you leave.
3. Find housing (at least temporary) before arriving.
4. Open a French bank account.
5. If you work: your employer registers you with the Sécurité sociale.
6. If you don’t work: contact the CPAM in your department.
7. Apply for your Sécurité sociale number and the Carte Vitale.
8. Choose a family doctor (médecin traitant).
9. Check if you qualify for CAF benefits (caf.fr).
10. Prepare your first tax return.

Official sources

• Service-Public.fr — Séjour de longue durée d’un Européen en France
• Service-Public.fr — Conditions de séjour d’un citoyen UE
• Ameli.fr — Protection Universelle Maladie
• impots.gouv.fr — Impôt sur le revenu

---

This article applies to citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland. If you do not hold European nationality, the requirements are different and depend on your country of origin, your situation and the type of visa. Consult the French consulate in your country directly or visit france-visas.gouv.fr.