Q & A

Subject: COST OF LIVING IN FRANCE COMPARED WITH THE U. S.

Question: HOW DOES THE COST OF LIVING IN FRANCE COMPARE WITH THE U. S.?

Answer: The short answer is that in general the cost of living in France is less than in the states. This is not something that I have 'hard' facts to back, up just my personal opinion.
Let me expand a little, in France big-ticket items, house, rent, education, health care, child care/costs tend to be less costly than in the states. Whereas every day needs items, food, newspapers, books, clothes and so on tend to be more expensive than in the states. The reason that the everyday items are more than in the states is the fact that France has an almost 20% sales tax. This tax from what I can tell goes to subsidize the big-ticket items. For example the government pays for all education in France and from 70% to 100% of health care. Most French families also receive a subsidy for rent and childcare.
Hope this answers your question, Jeff.

Related Links:
http://www.americansinfrance.net/MovingPlanner/CostofLiving.cfm

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