Key Takeaways:- Average cost to move from US to France: $7,000–$10,000
- Visa types include work, student, and family reunification
- France has a 1,9% lower cost of living compared to the US (Numbeo, 2025)
How Much Does It Cost to Move to France from the US in 2025?
Moving to France from the US can on average costs between $7,000 and $10,000. These costs are influenced by destination, volume, and season.
Breakdown of Moving Costs by City
| Destination City | Average Cost |
| Paris | $8,000 – $10,700 |
| Marseille | $7,200 – $9,800 |
| Lyon | $6,800 – $9,200 |
Estimate My VolumeMoving Your Belongings to France
Moving Pets
To bring pets to France, they must meet the requirements for any pet entering the EU:
- Microchip required
- Rabies vaccination is mandatory
- EU animal health certificate issued by a licensed vet in the US (10 days prior)
Read more on USDA’s official page Pet Travel from the United States to France.
Shipping a Car
The average cost to ship a car from the US to France in a container is $1,670.
Requirements:
- Proof of ownership
- Vehicle registration
- Export declaration (from the US) & customs declaration (France)
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How Can an American Move to France?
US citizens need a visa to live, work, or study in France. You’ll need the required documents, such as your birth certificate, passport, and proof of financial stability.
Visa Requirements
- Requires sponsoring of a French employer
- Long-stay visa (12 months) issued after job offer
- Validate within 3 months of arrival
Student Visa
- Requires acceptance from a French university
- Admissions letter required for application
- Mandatory (and free) health insurance
Family Visa
- Proof of relationship to French/EU citizen or resident
- Long stay visa issues upon documentation
Moving to France Checklist
- Gather the necessary documents (passport, certificates)
- Apply for your visa
- Budget for moving costs
- Hire an international mover
- Arrange housing and pack your belongings
- Purchase relevant health insurance
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Becoming a French Citizen
There are different ways to obtain French permanent residence. You can apply through:
- Naturalization: 5-year residency and integration proof required
- Marriage: Married to a French citizen for a minimum of 4 years
- Descent: At least one French parent, the application process: Apply > Take tests/interviews > Attend ceremony upon approval
What to Know Before Moving to France
Health Insurance
- Health insurance is mandatory (public or private)
- The public system is accessed through employment
Setting Up a Bank Account
Taxes
- Residents must declare global income
- As a non-resident, you’ll only declare the income generated in France.
- US-France tax treaty prevents double taxation
Finding Accommodation
Cost of Living in France vs. the USA
Living in France is generally cheaper than in the US.
| Metric | France | US |
| Eggs | 4 $ | 3.73 $ |
| Restaurant Meal | 30 $ | 35 $ |
| Cappuccino | 3.27 $ | 5 $ |
| Single transport ticket | 1.90 $ | 2.50 $ |
| Basic utilities | 190 $ | 205.61 $ |
Source: Numbeo
Where to Live in France as an Expat
- Lyon – Gastronomy capital and the third largest city in France.
- Paris – Good choice for those who enjoy a busy and vibrant city.
- Bordeaux – One of the safest cities in France.
- Toulouse – Mild climate, surrounded by nature.
- Nice – Eclectic and dynamic city with many activities to enjoy.
Working in France
- You’ll need a work visa or self-employment visa
- Your employer must initiate a work permit application
Pros and Cons of Living in France
Pros
Universal healthcare system
Work-life balance
Culturally rich
Affordable education
Cons
High taxes
Cultural and integration barriers
Competitive house market
Bureaucracy
Advice for Americans Moving to France
- Respect the work-life balance and slow-paced culture
- Learn French for easier integration
- Join expat communities based on your interests
- Be patient with the bureaucracy
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