It really suprised us too that living in France our budget is so much lower than the US. My perception when we were in the US was that France was an expensive place. But we've found as you noted that most of the essential things (housing, healthcare, food, education , etc) are more affordable while many consumer goods like electronics seem more expensive than in the US. But I'll take it that trade! Thanks for sharing your experience.

Great video with good points. This works really well if you make a US salary and can live abroad.

@adrielfelise

9 ай бұрын

Yes it does.

Great information! I have been slowly gathering information on making a move to France and there are some great tidbits in this video that I’ll add to my spreadsheet :) Thank you for sharing :)

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome. There is sooo much I didn’t know when I moved here and in some ways, I’m glad I didn’t because I’ve been able to have an adventure & in other ways not so much. Hahaha. But the cost of living decrease was a welcome surprise.

Great video so informative

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome. Glad it was helpful.

Really cool, thanks for the tales :)

@adrielfelise

2 ай бұрын

You’re welcome.

Great video! Since my trip to Portugal last June, I enjoy the cost of wine measure. In Portugal I was spending €3-€5 for a nice glass of wine. Home, in California, it would be $9-$12. Then I popped over to Marseille, €4-€8. I must say, the quality of the French wine was higher. Especially, rosé. Priories. Hehe! Moving to France when I retire is a possibility. I like that retirement isn’t taxed. I also think medical care quality in France is very good.

@adrielfelise

4 ай бұрын

Yeah wine is so much cheaper in European countries; I was very surprised by that when I moved here. And no, I do not believe your retirement is taxed. This far, for me, the medical care is very good and it won’t bankrupt you! My bill from the hospital with just my government insurance was 32 euros and if I had had my private insurance at the time, it would’ve been free.

@Nubianette

4 ай бұрын

@@adrielfelise As an American, I’m pretty lucky. As a government employee, I’ll have medical coverage when I retire as well. I pay $15 for a medical visit. My last prescription was only for a 7 day dose, and it was .26. Yes, 26 cents. Our new work contract cut our medication costs. I’m from California, and if I don’t leave the state, I’ll never be able to retire as a single person. I already know, France doesn’t tax retirement. Portugal will tax my social security (US tax right off), but not my pension because it’s from government employment. I have French nephews who are twins. They want me to live with them, when I’m old. Sweet. The Portuguese have an easier personality, in general. I might go back and forth. Fun, and doable with an ok (lower ok), Californian pension.

Thank you ! Thank you !! Omg I been trying to decide between DC vs Paris !!! I am definitely leading towards Paris !! DC seems fun but I want to be able to afford luxuries such as dinning out and Travel I don't want all my money going towards rent.

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome. Yes paris is definitely the more affordable between the two! I can assure you. I’m sitting at a cafe right now and the wine is $4!

@Djbobo1260

2 ай бұрын

I don't think this is at all realistic think hard

Thanks for the video. I am considering retiring in France when the time comes. One of the reasons is the wonderful food. So hard to get real food here, even at Whole Foods. Now there is that awful Apeel on foods, including organic & doesn't have to be labeled.

@adrielfelise

2 ай бұрын

That's one of the things I love so much about France is the food, particularly the butter.

Nice to meet you Adriel. Just found your channel..8). I'm in Lyon paying 640 euro (which is about 650 USD now or close to atm) for a 16 Sq m Apartment (172 sq ft)...less than half the size of your 3k DC apt. Finding a place to rent in France is MORE difficult than any other EU country! For health...I pay 100 euros, but I got the premium one because I wanted some decent dental coverage + eye/vision coverage. You should go through the cost of purchasing a liveable home in other parts of France!

@adrielfelise

5 ай бұрын

Hello. Nice to meet you too! It is so difficult to find a place in France. It’s ridiculous. I get so many messages from people on how to find an apartment and it is a struggle. I’m actually looking at purchasing a property in the countryside and, you’re right, I definitely need to do a video on that because it’s so affordable once you get outside of Paris!

I enjoyed your video Adriel.WHERE in Paris do you live? are you on a yearly lease? is there a deposit? How do you find an apt to live for 3 months per year?

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it! I live in the center of Paris. I have a permanent 3 year lease, but I used to be on the 1 year lease and it was terrible. Yes you put a deposit equivalent to one months rent down. If you’re looking for a short term sublet, the best way to do it is to check expat groups on Facebook. Since short term rentals you generally have to find via word of mouth.

@b.kolije5065

Жыл бұрын

@@adrielfelise would you mind explaining what a permanent lease is? Is it just a lease that lasts forever? Are there increases? Thank you!

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

@@b.kolije5065 Yes, a permanent lease is an unfurnished apartment. Simple explanation - you essentially can have the apartment forever unless the landlord sells it (in which case you get the right to buy it at a discount) or the landlord needs to move into it. I go into much more detail in my how to move to paris video on housing. Your landlord has the right to increase the rent a bit each year.

From what you’ve seen, do you think €6,000 a month after tax would allow for a decent life for a family of four?

@adrielfelise

9 ай бұрын

Well that means you could have an apartment of max 2000 euros, and depending upon where you live, you can definitely get an apartment with 2 bedrooms at that price point. So, yes, it would probably work for a family of 4. Childcare is nearly free here. And I know a salary of 6k euros in France is considered VERY well off.

How about taxes? Could that be the reason why most things are cheaper? I heard taxes are high though. But I could be wrong

@adrielfelise

11 ай бұрын

Taxes are not really any higher than in the US - I think that’s one of the bigger misconceptions. It’s just the money is spent better. Things are cheaper because life is just cheaper. That being said of course, this is compared to the US. For the average French person, life here is expensive. But on a $50k salary in France as a single person, you’re living really really well.

@jameswalker68

Ай бұрын

@@adrielfelise Is that what you earned in DC, Adriel (if you don't mind me asking of course?) What job did you do there? $3000 rent seemed like a lot - I'm in Australia though, and was trying to do all the conversions (it mde my head hurt! LOL!) Hope you don't mind me asking - thank you for the video, was really interesting :)

I am curious about mental health care in France? I am a psychotherapist here in the US. Is mental health care also offered free with healthcare?

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

That’s more layered so there are medical therapist and then non-medical therapist (maybe psychologist vs psychiatrist but I’m not sure) and one is reimbursed and the other isn’t. But as with all other doctors in France, there are categories that determine how much a doctor can charge. So the state reimbursed for category 1 (I.e. doctors that charge $25) and then doctors in category 2 can charge up to a certain price and doctors in category 3 can charge up to a certain price. So the most expensive doctors are in category 3 and if you have good co-insurance, it will cover you for the costs that are not reimbursed by the state in category 2 and 3. There is no correlation between the quality of the doctor and the price. So if you find a therapist in category 1, yes it’s still free. But if you find a doctor in category 2 or 3 (I think the max a therapist can charge in category 3 is 120 euros) then your co-insurance has to cover the rest. France also has a lot of free mental health clinics, centers, and other services around the country but the wait to get in is longer. The real issue I’ve often found based upon stories from friends is that French therapist are depressing. They’ll tell people to sleep around or cheat on their partner or they’ll tell them they’re cured of intense traumas or they just give depressing advice. So a lot of even French people try to find therapist trained elsewhere in order to get better and more uplifting advice.

@stasiamyers6268

Жыл бұрын

@@adrielfelise Wow! So interesting on the insurance part. And the training part! We are definitely more training in the US then, that is shocking! So if I moved to France, I would be in demand! Lol! Thanks for the reply. I am really enjoying your channel!

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

@@stasiamyers6268 Yes. You would definitely be in demand!!

@stasiamyers6268

Жыл бұрын

@@adrielfelise packing my bags now!!🤔

I am retired. What is cost of living like for retirees on a budget for medical care, food, housing and transportation?

@adrielfelise

8 ай бұрын

Well medical care is nearly free or completely free. For example, I had a hospital visit on just my government insurance and it was 30 euros. I’ve never paid more than 3 euros for medication. As far as food, housing & transportation, it’s basically all the same as I mentioned in my video. I believe there is a reduced metro fare if you’re over a certain age. But there isn’t a reduced price for food or housing if you are over a certain age. Did I answer your question?

@yogisurfrunner1925

3 ай бұрын

Charly, we are retired and mid-move from Texas to France. One thing to consider if you are looking at a move to Europe is the walking and the stairs. Many older Americans who have not walked much throughout their lives underestimate how taxing it can be to incorporate living on the 4th floor with no elevator, even temporarily as an example. Do not know your personal situation but it is something to be aware of. Many many stairs and much walking

@mc-si7vq

2 ай бұрын

Helps keep you healthy 😊

Where is your apt?? Very cheap for Paris!🤔

Is your total rent 1700€ or is that your share? Do you feel comfortable revealing the entire amount if not?

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

My total rent was a little under 1900 but I just had an increase and I think it was 40 euros, which is super annoying so now I think it’s 1920 (maybe a little less) and then there are 150 euros of charges (ie water, building upkeep, garbage etc) I believe.

@morgane8947

Жыл бұрын

@@adrielfelise How many sq.ft. and which arrondissement is this? I am searching ... and just want to get an idea.

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

I have no idea how many square feet it is because in France, they only count the number of meters that you can live in (ie bedroom, living room) but not things like the bathroom or any space with a slanted wall. If I had to guess maybe 1,100 but I just have no idea. In meters its 65-70 I believe.

@alexiawells3774

Жыл бұрын

@@adrielfelise That's a huge apartment for that rent. How far is this from the 5th arrondissement? I am trying to visualize the center of Paris.

@adrielfelise

Жыл бұрын

@@alexiawells3774 Not too far. It’s quite central; it’s near the 6th.

What income you need per month to be considered rich in Paris?

@adrielfelise

6 ай бұрын

Probably only 6000 euros a month.

@Djbobo1260

2 ай бұрын

Only!

@mc-si7vq

2 ай бұрын

​@djamail8889 that is not much to be considered rich...

@Djbobo1260

2 ай бұрын

@@mc-si7vq agree rich?! are they kidding

Do you have a job there in Paris?

@adrielfelise

2 ай бұрын

I want to start a business but waiting on my new titre...slowly...sigh

$200.00 per person for brunch you have got to be kidding me ,that is why we have what we have not spending that kind of money on simple brunch!

@adrielfelise

9 ай бұрын

Well, cost of living changes in every city right? So in NYC, DC, LA, or London $200 for a brunch is normal because cost of living is higher & people make more money. But in Paris, the cost of living is lower, people make less money & thus a $200 brunch would be considered expensive.

@adrielfelise

9 ай бұрын

@@Judy122550 One thing I’ve come to accept in life is that you can spend $200 on brunches and still make wise financial decisions. It’s about knowing that brunch will cost $200 and simply budgeting for it. You don’t have to do it every week but there’s nothing wrong with doing it once a month. The reality is that it’s expensive to dine on the coasts and so you just accept it and build it into your budget and if you don’t want to spend it, then you don’t have to. Everyone has choice. I don’t regret a single $200 brunch as that was time I got to spend and connect with people that I’ll never get back, particularly since I now live here and don’t get to see those people. And while the benefit of living in France is that you don’t have to spend that much on brunches due to the decreased cost of living, if you want to splurge with a friend on a luxe dinner at the ritz, you can do so even easier because you’re saving so much more money in every day life. We all get to make our choices in this world.

@Judy122550

9 ай бұрын

​@@adrielfelise always keep that budget ,yes life is too short I will NEVER get my brother back here on earth that passed away,only to see Him again one day for all eternity . Have a lovely day !