Alexis Goldberg, a resident of the Languedoc region of France and author of the FranceBuyingGuide.com, compares day to day living costs in France and the UK.

The cost of living in France is broadly less than that in the UK, leaving the big cities aside, although the margin is not as great as it once was and some things are more expensive.

The cost of food and drink is largely on a par with the UK but it is important to remember that shopping is slightly different in France and that if you make full use of the wonderful indoor and outdoor markets, your grocery bill will undoubtedly be cheaper. Supermarkets do not stock the same range of ready meals either and there are less processed foods, all of which makes for healthier eating without overspending.

Eating out is less expensive aside from the very upmarket restaurants and those in large cities such as Paris and Bordeaux. Many restaurants across the country have a “prix fixe” menu at extremely good value and as you would expect, a huge choice of wine, many of very reasonable quality around the €5 mark.

You will find markets in almost every town and large village in France and remember that these are not just food markets but stock clothing, jewellery, household items, car parts – in fact many hold a vast array of products. It is a matter of getting into the habit of shopping differently.

Public transport costs in general are now similar to those in the UK, aside from trains which are cheaper, and the cost of petrol and diesel is about the same. Most motorways have a toll system but the upside to this is that not only are the roads far better maintained and less congested but also there is no road tax. Car insurance is cheaper and remember that it is the car which is insured in France, not the person.

Utility costs are fairly reasonable and phone and internet costs similar to the UK with many deals to be had for broadband, TV and mobile. Like the UK, there are several electricity and gas providers and it is a case of comparing costs to find the cheapest option.

The two types of taxes on property in France (taxe d’habitation and taxe fonciere) are generally cheaper than the council tax paid in the UK and they include the cost of the TV licence. Education and child care is much cheaper as they are subsidised by the French Government. The healthcare system is excellent and although most people need to make a contribution to this, it again is largely subsidised and most efficient.

Some items, such as paint and white goods, are more expensive in France and it is worth noting also that second-hand car prices are extortionate and British people are far better off bringing a car over to France from the UK or buying it in another country such as Spain or Germany. There are now several UK paint companies set up in France which offer better quality paint at more reasonable costs. Wood and plumbing items can be expensive too, but a good tip is to use a local artisan if you are thinking of doing any major renovation who should offer you tradesman’s prices at local wood and hardware stores.

Services such as hairdressing, beauty treatments and opticians are excellent and cheaper than those in the UK. The French take pride in their appearance and you are likely to find all 3 of these services in even the smallest of towns and some villages. Clothes can be expensive and remember that there is now a 20 per cent sales tax added. However, there are some excellent mail order companies such as La Redoute and 3 Suisses which offer a top service for clothes and household items, such as bed linen and towels. You can even opt to have them delivered to a nearby local shop so that you have no worry about being in for delivery.

In summary, expect to find your monthly outgoings just slightly less than those in the UK. Shopping as the French do in markets and making full use of the many “vide greniers” (car boot/attic sales) will mean that your overall bills will be kept to a minimum. The quality of life in France is good and you do not need a lot of money to make the most of it. This is especially true in rural France where village life is tranquil and a great day out can be had in the seemingly endless beautiful countryside with many a fete, art exhibition or concert in the summer months which will cost you precisely nothing!

For details of properties for sale in France visit the French listings on Rightmove Overseas. One way to save money when buying in France, or moving there, is to use a currency exchange specialist when transferring your pounds into euros. For more information on this, visit the Currency Zone or contact Smart Currency Exchange.

To understand the full step-by-step process to buying a property in France, collect The Overseas Guides Company’s ‘France Property Buying Guide’