Cost of Living in France: This Week’s Key Price Changes for Households
Stay up to date with weekly cost-of-living changes in France — tobacco, fuel, energy prices and more that impact household budgets.
Cost of Living in France: This Week’s Key Price Changes for Households
French households continue to face rising prices in essentials — from tobacco and fuel to energy bills.
Here’s a snapshot of the most significant changes this week and what they mean for your budget.
SMIC 2025 – Minimum Wage Update
The SMIC (minimum wage) remains at €[latest figure] net per month, following the adjustment introduced in January.
For an explanation of how SMIC compares to average salaries and what it means for workers,
Read Full Article: SMIC vs Average Salary Explained
An increase in APL
Good news for beneficiaries, shortly before closing the year. At 1er october 2025, personalized housing assistance (APL) will be increased, as confirmed by the Caisse nationale d’allocations familiales (CAF). The APLs go change by +1.04%.
A small increase, after + 3.26% last year, but this percentage does not come out of nowhere. The revaluation of housing assistance is based on the rent reference index (IRL), monitored each year by INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies).
Read the full article about the rise here: CAF: APL revalued from 1st October 2025, here is the Increase Planned for Beneficiaries
Tobacco Prices – Another Rise
As of 1st October 2025, many cigarette brands have increased by €0.20 to €0.40 per pack.
Check our detailed guide to see how your preferred brand is affected: All Cigarette Prices from 1st September 2025
Fuel at the Pump
Fuel prices nudged up again last week:
| Carburant | Prix €/L |
|---|---|
| SP98 | 1.897 |
| SP95-E10 | 1.723 |
| SP95 | 1.725 |
| Diesel (Gazole B7) | 1.658 |
| E85 | 0.751 |
| GPLc | 0.978 |
Source: Carbu.com – Data retrieved manually, updated weekly.
We’ll keep tracking these changes each Monday.
Energy – Waiting for the Next Tariff Announcement
The government’s energy price shield remains in place until the end of the quarter, but new electricity and gas tariffs are expected to be announced later this month.
For tips on lowering your bills, see: Heating – Simple Tips to Lower Your Bill
Payment of Taxe Fonciere
We will soon have to go to pay our Taxe Fonciere. In October 2025, it will really be time to take care of it, with more or less delay depending on your situation.
For online payment you will have until October 20 to make payment. In the case of another means of payment (namely bank transfer, check, cash or card, interbank payment document), you will have to pay earlier: you will have until October 15, midnight.
Food Basket – Mixed Trends
Supermarkets report that dairy products rose around 2 % month-on-month, while fresh vegetables dropped slightly thanks to the autumn harvest.
Keep an eye on your weekly shop and consider switching to seasonal vegetables to cut costs.
Readthe full article: Seasonal Vegetables Guide
What It Means for You
Rising costs in fuel and tobacco are likely to impact household budgets the most.
Make sure to check your energy consumption ahead of the winter months and explore all eligible government supports.
We’ll continue to post weekly cost-of-living updates every Monday to keep readers informed.
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