Cost of living: France has lower rent and cheaper, tastier groceries

To the Editor,

I read the recent article about the cost of living in France compared to the UK and the US.

I moved from Canada to Pontivy (Morbihan) in January 2025 because I could not afford to live on my own with only my pension.

Here, I have a nice studio apartment along the canal for €460/month. It would cost $1,200-$1,500 in Calgary, Canada, if you could even find one.

My utility bills are much cheaper too and I only spend about €200 a month on groceries, including paper products and other sundry items.

However, it does take a long time to get any paperwork done here! I finally received my titre de séjour last month, after a three-month extension on my visa, and I am still waiting for my carte Vitale. But overall, life is good here and I am glad I made the move.

D.T., Morbihan

To the Editor,

My wife and I are US residents but we own a home in Dordogne.

I absolutely agree that groceries are much less expensive than in the US, especially compared to places such as New York City.

I would add that the quality of fresh food at our local supermarket is so much higher than in US supermarkets, and the assortment of both fresh and packaged food is usually wider as well. 

R.S., Dordogne 

Have you noticed any ways that the cost of living is higher in France? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com