How to Save Money Living in France: 25 Practical Tips for 2025

France is often seen as a country of luxury — fine wines, delicious cheeses, and stylish living. But for families, expats, and even locals, the rising cost of everyday essentials can make living here feel expensive. Prices for food, electricity, and transport have all crept up in recent years, and stretching your euros further has become more important than ever.

The good news? With a little planning, it’s possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in France without overspending. From cutting grocery bills to finding free entertainment, there are plenty of simple ways to save money.

As a family living on a modest income in rural France, we’ve had to learn how to make the most of what we have. These are 25 practical tips that work in 2025 — strategies you can use whether you’re an expat just arriving or a long-term resident looking to cut back.

Groceries & Food

Food is one of the biggest expenses in any French household, but it’s also one of the easiest areas to make savings without sacrificing quality. Here are seven proven ways to lower your grocery bills:

1. Shop at budget supermarkets.
Chains like Lidl, Aldi, and Intermarché consistently offer cheaper basics than Carrefour or Super U. Their quality is surprisingly good, and you can still find plenty of French staples like baguettes, cheese, and fresh produce.

2. Visit open-air markets at the end of the day.
French markets are wonderful for fresh, seasonal food, but prices can be steep in the morning. If you go closer to closing time, many vendors slash prices rather than pack everything away.

3. Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables.
It sounds obvious, but sticking to what’s in season makes a huge difference. Strawberries in June are cheap and bursting with flavour; strawberries in December are expensive and disappointing.

4. Cook from scratch instead of buying ready meals.
Prepared foods and frozen dinners cost more and often don’t taste as good. French supermarkets sell high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices, so making soups, stews, or pasta dishes yourself saves money and is healthier.

5. Batch cook and freeze meals.
Cooking in larger quantities reduces waste and means you always have a homemade meal ready when you’re too tired to cook. It stops the temptation of expensive takeaways, which are far less common in rural France anyway.

6. Buy cheese and wine from supermarkets.
Tourist shops often charge double or triple the price. A bottle of decent Bordeaux or a round of Camembert in Carrefour costs a fraction of what you’ll pay in a gift shop.

7. Use supermarket “drive” services.
Most French supermarkets now offer a “click and collect” option. Ordering online helps you stick to your list and avoid impulse spending — and the prices are usually the same as in-store.

👉 Result: With these simple habits, many families can keep their grocery bills closer to €250–350 per month instead of €500+.

Housing & Utilities

For most households in France, housing is the single biggest monthly expense. While rent or mortgages may be fixed, there are still many ways to reduce what you spend on utilities and running your home.

8. Heat with wood or pellets instead of oil.
Heating oil (fioul) is one of the most expensive ways to keep warm. Many French families in rural areas save hundreds each winter by using wood-burning stoves or pellet heaters as their main source of heat.

9. Improve insulation where possible.
Even simple steps like sealing drafts, adding thick curtains, or insulating the attic can significantly cut heating bills. The French government also offers eco-renovation grants and tax credits that make insulation upgrades more affordable.

10. Compare electricity providers.
EDF is the traditional supplier, but in France you can choose from alternative providers such as Engie, Eni, or TotalEnergies. A quick online comparison can often reveal cheaper tariffs.

11. Save water with small adjustments.
Installing water-saving showerheads and fixing leaky taps quickly reduces bills. Many communes also offer discounted water meters or subsidies for eco-friendly equipment.

12. Apply for housing assistance if eligible.
Low-income households in France may qualify for APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement), which helps with rent or housing costs. It’s worth checking with CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) to see if you qualify.

👉 Result: Even if rent isn’t flexible, cutting utility bills by 10–20% can free up an extra €30–60 per month — a meaningful saving for low-pay families.

Transportation

Transport costs in France vary depending on where you live. City dwellers often spend less thanks to public transport, while rural families may rely heavily on cars. Either way, there are ways to cut expenses.

13. Use public transport passes.
In cities, monthly passes are much cheaper than buying single tickets. For example, a Navigo pass in Paris covers metro, bus, and RER travel for under €90 per month, saving hundreds compared to daily fares.

14. Share rides with BlaBlaCar.
This carpooling platform is extremely popular in France and much cheaper than taking the train or driving alone. It’s especially useful for long-distance trips.

15. Buy second-hand cars.
Depreciation on new cars is huge in France. Buying used — especially through reputable sites like Leboncoin or La Centrale — can save thousands. Many families also choose smaller, fuel-efficient cars to keep running costs low.

16. Use a bike for short journeys.
Cycling is increasingly supported by local councils, with many offering subsidies for buying bikes or e-bikes. For commutes under 5 km, this can replace a car entirely.

17. Take advantage of SNCF discounts.
France’s national train network offers a wide range of reductions: youth, family, senior, and frequent-traveller cards. Budget Ouigo trains also connect major cities at prices starting from €10 if booked early.

👉 Result: Whether by reducing car use or finding travel discounts, families can often cut monthly transport spending by €50–150 without sacrificing mobility.

Healthcare & Wellness

Healthcare in France is excellent, but even with state coverage, out-of-pocket costs can add up. For households on modest incomes, being smart about healthcare choices can make a real difference.

18. Apply for Complémentaire Santé Solidaire (CSS).
Low-income residents may qualify for this state-supported health insurance, which either reduces or completely covers the cost of a mutuelle (top-up insurance). This can save a family €50–100 per month.

19. Take out a mutuelle (top-up insurance).
For those not eligible for CSS, a mutuelle is still worthwhile. While it’s an extra monthly cost, it prevents larger unexpected bills for dental work, glasses, or hospital stays. In the long run, it’s often cheaper.

20. Choose generic medicines.
Pharmacies in France often offer generic versions of common prescriptions (médicaments génériques). They have the same active ingredients but cost less, saving families money on regular treatments.

21. Stay active through affordable options.
Gym memberships can be expensive, but France has many local sports clubs (associations sportives) that offer football, dance, yoga, and martial arts at much lower prices. Outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or hiking in nature are free and widely available.

👉 Result: By combining state support, a good mutuelle, and smart choices, families can reduce healthcare spending while still accessing high-quality care.

Leisure & Lifestyle

Enjoying life in France doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little planning, families can experience culture, travel, and fun without stretching the budget too far.

22. Take advantage of free festivals and village fêtes.
Almost every town and village in France has local celebrations throughout the year — music nights, wine festivals, and food fairs. Most are free or very low-cost, making them a great alternative to pricey outings.

23. Visit museums on free-entry days.
Many museums in France, including the Louvre in Paris, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Smaller regional museums often have free days too — perfect for family trips that don’t break the bank.

24. Travel off-season.
Holidays in July and August are expensive, as that’s when most of France takes vacation. Travelling in May, June, or September can cut accommodation and transport costs by half.

25. Use your local library.
French libraries (médiathèques) are much more than books — many lend DVDs, CDs, and even audiobooks for free. Membership fees are usually minimal, sometimes under €20 per year, and can save families a fortune in entertainment.

👉 Result: By focusing on community events, off-season travel, and low-cost cultural activities, families can enjoy a rich social life in France without overspending.

Conclusion

Living in France in 2025 doesn’t have to mean living beyond your means. While rising prices for food, energy, and travel are a reality, there are still countless ways to stretch your euros further. From shopping smart at markets to reducing utility bills, making use of healthcare support, and enjoying free cultural events, saving money is about being intentional — not about missing out.

For families and individuals on modest incomes, these small changes can add up to meaningful savings every month. And the best part? Many of these strategies don’t just save money, they also improve quality of life — encouraging healthier eating, stronger community ties, and more memorable experiences.

If you’re planning a move to France, or simply trying to balance your budget here, these 25 tips can help you build a lifestyle that is both affordable and enjoyable.