On a Shoestring: Budget Living in the South of France
The South of France has historically been a popular vacation and retirement destination for sun-starved Brits looking to escape 
harsh English winters. Every summer hundreds of thousands of people flock to the beaches and seaside resorts that dot the coastline, and even during the colder months, the boats and yachts that fill the ports in Nice, Cannes and Antibes keep the numerous Irish and English pubs lively all season long.
harsh English winters. Every summer hundreds of thousands of people flock to the beaches and seaside resorts that dot the coastline, and even during the colder months, the boats and yachts that fill the ports in Nice, Cannes and Antibes keep the numerous Irish and English pubs lively all season long.The thriving tourist industry and the regular influx of foreigners looking to resettle makes for a vibrant and exciting expat destination, but it also drives the cost of living way up. After Paris, the French Riviera is the most expensive region in which to live in France.
That being said, even if you’re on a tight budget, which is a reality that many relocating retirees have to come to terms with, it’s possible to live comfortably and well in the South of France.
Simply focus on your priorities, sacrifice the superfluous luxuries and you can reduce the cost of living in the South of France significantly.
Cost of accommodation in the South of France
Renting or buying a house or flat will be the most draining expense to take into consideration when moving to France. In general, the largest cities in France, like Paris and Lyon, are much more expensive than the countryside towns, but in the South of France, that rule is turned on its head. Needless to say, it is less expensive to live in Nice than it is to live in Antibes, Cannes, Saint Tropez, or the numerous quaint villages scattered along the coast and up in the mountains.
Keep this in mind when deciding on where to base yourself.
Renting a house in the South of France
Studios start at 400 euros a month, but they may or may not be furnished, and you might have to take showers in the same room in which you sleep and eat. In general, expect to pay at least 300 euros a month per room; that means a 2-bedroom with a kitchen and salon would probably be at least 1200 euros a month. If you use an agency, expect to pay at least one month of rent in finder’s fees. If you need a place for less than two-years, try to rent from the landlord to save money and hassle.
Buying a house in the South of France
If you have hundreds of thousands of euros at your disposal, you can purchase an apartment or even a villa in the South of France. A one-bedroom anything will be at least 150,000 to 200,000 euros, and the price just shoots up from there! Again, if you use an estate agent, you’ll have to pay a certain percentage to them, so make sure it’s someone trustworthy and with whom you feel comfortable. Try to contact other expats in the region for agent recommendations.
Cost of transportation in the South of France
Public transportation in France can be a dream or a nightmare.
The regional bus networks are extensive, and inexpensive: a one-way ticket (valid on all regional buses for an hour) is usually only one euro. However, the buses can be very slow and unreliable, and if a stop is too remote, the bus may only come by once every hour. The service is considerably reduced on Sundays and public holidays, and don’t forget that the French strike all of the time, so every once in a while, they just won’t show up. If you frequently use the buses, month- or year-long passes can save you even more money.
Trains, on the other hand, especially TGV, can be very expensive in France. When planning a trip cross-country, it’s important to buy tickets well in advance. If you’re 60 or older or 25 or younger, your tickets are automatically slightly reduced. Consider also buying the Senior or Youth card, which qualifies you for even further reductions, and often pays for itself on the first trip.
If you live in the countryside, you might decide a car is absolutely necessary. If so, know that gas (petrol) is very expensive. If you need a car to get to work, consider co-voiturage: in a word, carpooling.
Cost of food in the South of France
The good news is that anyone can eat like a king in the French Riviera, even on a budget. The key is eating-in as much as possible: the tourist industry has driven restaurant prices way up, and the hefty price tag does not always indicate higher quality. Lunch menus start at 11 euros and dinner menus at 20 euros. Even kebabs (popular street food) will set you back at least 5 euros.
Fresh produce is surprisingly affordable, especially if you make the trek to outdoor markets instead of frequenting the pricier grocery stores, like Monoprix. The French government subsidises local products, like wine and cheese, and you can get very high quality products for a very small price, at least relative to the States or the UK.
However, expect to pay an arm and a leg for a block of cheddar, or any other foreign or exotic products, like peanut butter or Dr Pepper. In general, it’s cheapest to eat like the French do.
Cost of healthcare in the South of France
France requires all its citizens and foreign residents to subscribe to a mandatory insurance program, mostly funded by premiums deducted from French employees’ salaries. The program covers 70 percent of most healthcare costs. This means that although a visit to the doctor is billed at 23 euros, with the Carte Vitale (national health card) it only costs the patient 6,60 euros.
Citizens and expat residents can also choose to subscribe to a private insurance company that will cover the remaining 30 percent of health care costs. This cost varies depending on the company, but expect to pay around 40 euros a month per person.
Miscellaneous expenses
Even the most basic clothing can be very expensive in France: a plain pair of socks might be 6 euros, and a basic tee shirt 12 or 15. Save big and exciting purchases for the bi-annual national sales, in January and July. It can also cost up to 4 or 5 euros to wash your clothing at a laundromat, and just as much to dry them. Whenever possible wash them at home and let them air dry.
Quick tips to saving money in France
- As tempting as a daily pain au chocolat and café crème might be, eat breakfast at home: toasted baguette and Nutella is less expensive, more filling, and yet still satisfies the craving for sweet goodness.
- Don’t pay for the insanely overpriced gyms and health clubs: the south of France is so beautiful there is bound to be a gorgeous place to run or walk wherever you live. Biking and rollerblading are also popular ways of keeping fit in France.
- Want to learn the language? You don’t have to pay for classes. If you know the basics already, look into the weekly language and conversation exchanges hosted by local bars and cafés. If you’re friendly and outgoing, you shouldn’t have a problem finding someone interested in meeting up and practicing speaking in French and English in turn.
- Craving a romantic evening? Share a bottle of wine on the beach or in a park. The whole bottle will probably cost less than a single glass of wine at a bar or café, and you will have much more privacy…
- Need to throw a party at the last minute? Suggest a picnic lunch, again at the beach or park, and ask everyone to bring some wine, bread, cheese, or sweets to share.
