What is the healthcare system like in France?

France has a healthcare quality index of 82/100. A doctor visit is listed as Covered by social security, and private health insurance is listed as Approx. 100-200 EUR/month. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available.

What is the climate like in France?

France has an average temperature of 11.3. The comparable climate indicator records 23 wet days of at least 10 mm per year. Sunshine hours and preferred travel months are not included in this dataset.

Country research

Retire in France

France offers city-level retirement planning choices across metropolitan, coastal, and rural regions. This profile combines comparable national indicators with local cost, healthcare, safety, climate, and residence information.

At a glance Costs and planning

71.5Overall research score

97.2Safety index

At a glance

The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.

Cost of living58.7/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper

Safety97.2/100Safety index

Healthcare82/100Quality index

Average temperature11.3°CYearly average

Why France

A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.

France may suit retirees who value broad healthcare infrastructure, cultural amenities, and varied urban, rural, and coastal regions. A long-stay visitor route requires sufficient resources, accommodation, insurance, and no ordinary work.

What stands out

Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
Social security
EU access.

Costs and planning

Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.

Housing

One bedroom, city center: 1200-2000 EUR
One bedroom, suburbs: 900-1500 EUR
Three bedrooms, city center: 2000-3500 EUR

Monthly essentials

Groceries: 400-600 EUR
Restaurant meal: Varies by city and provider
Utilities: 200-300 EUR
Health insurance: Approx. 100-200 EUR/month

Residency and taxes

Visa or permit: Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS)
Minimum annual income: Not listed
Processing time: Varies by consulate and prefecture
Income tax: 45% Max. CGT: 34% (PFU). Inherit: Progressive 5%−60% (Low allowances).

Safety, climate, and healthcare

The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.

Safety

Safety index: 97.2/100
Intentional homicide: 0.013 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
Police response: Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city

Climate and healthcare

Sunshine: Not listed
Rainfall days ≥10 mm: 23 days per year
Doctor visit: Covered by social security
English speakers: Not available as a comparable national statistic

Cities to consider in France

Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.

Paris

Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum

Rent: 1200-2000 EUR/month
Safety: 75

Read city guide

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about retiring in France

What is the cost of living in France?

The relative PPP price-level score for France is 58.7/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 1200-2000 EUR, while health insurance is Approx. 100-200 EUR/month.

Is France safe for expats and retirees?

France has a safety index of 97.2/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.013 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.

How is the healthcare system in France?

The healthcare system in France has a quality index of 82/100. A doctor visit costs Covered by social security, and health insurance typically costs Approx. 100-200 EUR/month per month.

What are the visa requirements for retiring in France?

France lists the route “Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS)”. The published minimum-income field is not a single fixed annual amount and processing is Varies by consulate and prefecture. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.

What is the tax situation for retirees in France?

Retirees in France face income tax rates of 45% Max. CGT: 34% (PFU). Inherit: Progressive 5%−60% (Low allowances).. Property tax is Taxe foncière varies by municipality and property and inheritance tax is Progressive rates generally 5–60% depending on relationship and amount. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.

How large is the expat community in France?

France has approximately 9,186,757 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Paris.