France: cost of living

How fast are energy prices rising in France?

Energy prices in France were 21.2% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to INSEE's provisional consumer price estimate of 30 September 2026, up from 16.7% in August. INSEE says the rise was driven by petroleum products and gas. Overall consumer prices rose 3.0% over the year, after 2.4% in August.

A year earlier, in September 2025, energy prices had been falling (-4.4%). Energy has a weight of 764 out of 10,000 in the index. These are provisional figures; INSEE's final results for September were scheduled for 15 October 2026. The harmonised EU index rose 3.4%.

Official sources: INSEE: consumer prices, September 2026 (provisional)

Are food prices rising in France?

Food prices in France were 1.5% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to INSEE's provisional consumer price estimate, after 1.1% in August. Fresh food rose much faster, by 9.9%, while other food rose 0.4%. INSEE reports that food prices increased for the third month in a row, driven by fresh produce.

Food carries a weight of 1,485 out of 10,000 in the consumer price index, so it has a large effect on household budgets. Fresh food prices move sharply with harvests and weather. These figures are provisional estimates made at the end of the month and are confirmed or revised in mid-month results.

Official sources: INSEE: consumer prices, September 2026 (provisional)

What is the median household income in France?

The median standard of living in France was €26,740 a year in 2024, according to INSEE's table on the distribution of living standards (9 July 2026). That means half of people lived in households with a disposable income per consumption unit below this level. In constant 2024 euros, the median was €26,280 in 2023.

The standard of living is household disposable income after taxes and benefits, divided by the number of consumption units in the household, so it can be compared across household sizes. It is about €2,230 a month for a single person.

Official sources: INSEE: distribution of living standards

How unequal are incomes in France?

The richest 10% of people in France had a standard of living of at least €48,580 a year in 2024, while the poorest 10% had at most €13,970, a ratio of 3.48, according to INSEE's table on the distribution of living standards. The ratio was 3.49 in 2023 and 3.30 in 2020.

This interdecile ratio is one of the inequality measures recommended by France's National Council for Statistical Information. It compares the threshold of the top tenth with that of the bottom tenth, so it is not affected by the very highest incomes. INSEE notes the 2020 figure is less reliable because of difficulties collecting data that year.

Official sources: INSEE: distribution of living standards

Is purchasing power falling in France?

Households' purchasing power fell 0.4% in 2025, after rising 2.7% in 2024, according to INSEE's national accounts for 2025. Gross disposable income rose only 0.5% in value, while consumer prices measured in the accounts rose 0.8%. Per consumption unit, which accounts for changes in household size, purchasing power fell 0.7%.

Purchasing power here is the change in total household disposable income adjusted for inflation; it is an average and does not mean every household is worse off. INSEE revises these figures as more tax and benefit data become available, and the box in the same publication explains the latest revisions.

Official sources: INSEE: national accounts in 2025

How many people in France cannot afford basic needs?

12.1% of people aged 16 or over in France were in material and social deprivation in 2025, according to INSEE's table on material and social deprivation (29 September 2026). The rate was 12.0% in 2024 and 10.3% in 2021. Among people in work, it was 15.1% for manual workers and 13.7% for office and service employees, against 1.8% for managers and professionals.

A person is counted as deprived if they cannot afford several items from a list of everyday needs and activities. The measure complements income-based poverty rates and is used across the EU.

Official sources: INSEE: material and social deprivation

What is the inflation rate in France?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 0.9%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.0% (2015) to 5.2% (2022). Europe & Central Asia median: 3.7%; France is 44th highest of 48. Worldwide: 134th of 165.

What is household spending per person in France?

$21,276: that is household consumption per person in France for 2025, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: $11,266; France is 14th highest of 44. World rank, highest first: 18th of 124.

What is the extreme poverty rate in France?

The World Bank puts the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in France at 0.1% in 2023. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 25th highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.4%. World rank, highest first: 49th of 59.

What is the poverty rate in France?

15.6%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in France for 2021, according to the World Bank. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 15.9%, and France placed 22nd highest of 40. World rank, highest first: 50th of 72.

How unequal are incomes in France?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2023, is 31.8. Since 2005 it has ranged from 29.7 (2006) to 33.7 (2010). It is 16th highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 31.5. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 37th highest.

What is food insecurity in France?

The FAO puts moderate or severe food insecurity in France at 9.4% in 2024. No year since 2015 has been higher. Europe & Central Asia median: 7.6%; France is 14th highest of 45. Worldwide: 94th of 135.