What are the best cities in France for expats?

• Paris – A global hub for business, culture, and entertainment. • Lyon – A city with excellent job opportunities and a strong culinary reputation. • Marseille – A Mediterranean city with a relaxed pace of life and affordable housing. • Toulouse – A growing city with a strong aerospace and tech industry. • Bordeaux – A wine capital with a high quality of life and beautiful architecture. • Nice – A picturesque coastal city with a mix of luxury and laid-back living. • Cannes – A high-end destination for those seeking a glamorous Mediterranean lifestyle. • The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) – Ideal for those looking for a seaside retreat with access to Monaco, luxury services, and sunny weather.

Moving to France

Q: How much does it cost to move to France?

Small moves start from €500, while mid-sized moves start from €2,000, with larger moves exceeding €6,000.

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Moving to France

New Home in a Country of Culture, Cuisine, and Lifestyle

France is a top destination for expats, known for its rich culture, world-famous cuisine, and excellent work-life balance. With a population of over 67 million, France offers diverse landscapes, from the vibrant cities to charming countryside villages and Mediterranean beaches.
Whether you’re moving to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nice, Cannes, or the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), we provide professional moving services to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation. The official language is French. If you’re relocating for work, study, or personal reasons, we offer reliable moving solutions tailored to your needs

Popular Destinations for Moving to France.

We provide international moving services to cities across France, including:

Moving to Paris – The capital, known for its business opportunities, culture, and iconic landmarks.
Moving to Lyon – A major economic hub with a strong culinary scene and excellent quality of life.
Moving to Marseille – A Mediterranean city offering a relaxed lifestyle and growing expat community.
Moving to Toulouse – A dynamic city known for its aerospace industry and affordable living.
Moving to Bordeaux – Famous for its wine industry, excellent climate, and historical charm.

We also assist with moves to smaller towns and rural areas across France.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to France?

The cost of your move depends on the shipment size and required services. Below are estimated prices for household moves via road freight:

Move Size	Price Range (€)
Small move (<12m³)	€500–€1,000
Mid-size move (12–25m³)	€2,000–€6,000+
Large move (>25m³)	€6,000+
Boxes only	€400+

These are estimates, and actual costs vary based on your specific move details.

Requirements to Move to France

When planning a move to France, it is essential to ensure your visa and customs paperwork are in order before shipping your household goods.

You can find detailed customs information on importing household goods via the FIDI Customs Guide, provided by the largest global alliance of international moving companies.

To provide the most accurate cost estimate, we offer a pre-move survey to assess the volume of your belongings, check home accessibility, and identify any special packing needs.

Plan Your Move in Advance

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free relocation, we recommend contacting us at least 6 weeks before your planned move date.

Follow our Moving Abroad Checklist to make your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Planning to relocate to France?

Get a quote

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost varies depending on shipment size. Small moves start from €500, while full household shipments start from €2,000, with larger moves exceeding €6,000.

The cost of living in France varies widely. Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, while cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Bordeaux offer more affordable alternatives. The French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, and surrounding areas) is also known for its higher cost of living, especially in prime coastal locations.

France has an excellent public healthcare system, which is partially funded by social security. Expats may need private health insurance for additional coverage.

While English is spoken in business settings and tourist areas, learning basic French will help with daily life, bureaucracy, and integration into the local community.

Paris, as a global hub, is renowned for its business, cultural, and entertainment opportunities, making it a top destination for professionals and creatives alike. Lyon offers excellent job prospects, especially in the culinary sector, thanks to its strong gastronomic reputation. Marseille, a Mediterranean city, provides a relaxed pace of life and affordable housing, making it a more accessible option for those seeking a balance between city life and tranquility. Toulouse, a growing city with a focus on aerospace and tech industries, offers great career opportunities in these fields. Bordeaux, known as the wine capital, boasts a high quality of life and beautiful architecture, making it a great place to live. Nice, a picturesque coastal city, offers a blend of luxury and laid-back living, with stunning views and a vibrant cultural scene. Cannes, famous for its glamorous lifestyle, is a high-end destination for those seeking a Mediterranean experience filled with luxury and elegance.

What You Need to Know

Moving to France Checklist

Check Visa Requirements –– EU citizens can move freely; non-EU citizens may require a visa.
Find Housing Early – The rental market in major cities can be competitive.
Healthcare & Insurance – Public healthcare is available, but private insurance may be needed.
Banking& Finances –Open a French bank account for salary payments.
Cost of Living – Consider expenses such as rent, groceries, and utilities.
Schooling & Education – Research international and public schools.
Local Culture – Understanding French customs and learning some French will help with integration.

For professional moving assistance, contact us today for a free quote!