Cost of Living: France vs Reunion

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between France and Reunion.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in France is 9.4% more expensive than Reunion. The biggest difference is in Childcare, where costs are 837.5% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Reunion, you would spend about $109 in France for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Childcare 837.5%

France is 837.5% more expensive

Household Utilities 84.3%

France is 84.3% more expensive

Property Prices 69.6%

France is 69.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 9.4%

France is 9.4% more expensive than Reunion

Most Expensive Categories

  • Childcare +837.5%
  • Household Utilities +84.3%
  • Property Prices +69.6%

Is France cheaper than Reunion?

No, Reunion is cheaper than France

Overall, living costs in Reunion are 9.4% lower than in France.

Where Reunion is cheaper:

  • Childcare 837.5% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 84.3% cheaper
  • Property Prices 69.6% cheaper

Where Reunion is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 9.5% more expensive
  • Other Expenses 4.0% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 3.3% more expensive

Practical Examples

Monthly public transport pass

France: 70.58 $ Reunion: 44.39 $
59.0% more expensive in France

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Reunion is indeed cheaper than France. You would spend approximately 9.4% on living expenses by choosing Reunion over France. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

9.4%

France is 9.4% more expensive than Reunion

Restaurants

0.7%

France is 0.7% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Markets

27.9%

France is 27.9% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Other Expenses

4.0%

France is 4.0% cheaper than Reunion in this category

Transportation

8.1%

France is 8.1% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Household Utilities

84.3%

France is 84.3% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Mobile and Internet

9.5%

France is 9.5% cheaper than Reunion in this category

Sports And Leisure

11.2%

France is 11.2% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Childcare

837.5%

France is 837.5% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Clothing And Shoes

3.3%

France is 3.3% cheaper than Reunion in this category

Rent Per Month

7.0%

France is 7.0% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Property Prices

69.6%

France is 69.6% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Salaries And Financing

33.2%

France is 33.2% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item France Reunion Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 17.07 $ 17.64 $ 3.2%
France is 3.2% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 68.30 $ 73.99 $ 7.7%
France is 7.7% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 12.52 $ 13.60 $ 7.9%
France is 7.9% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.63 $ 3.13 $ 16.0%
France is 16.0% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.19 $ 3.70 $ 13.8%
France is 13.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.21 $ 2.85 $ 22.5%
France is 22.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.78 $ 1.22 $ 36.1%
France is 36.1% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) ? 4.55 $ N/A
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.33 $ 0.87 $ 282.8%
France is 282.8% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 11.38 $ 4.55 $ 150.1%
France is 150.1% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) ? 1.92 $ N/A
Milk (1L) 1.31 $ 1.24 $ 5.6%
France is 5.6% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.04 $ 3.12 $ 34.6%
France is 34.6% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.59 $ 2.10 $ 23.3%
France is 23.3% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.29 $ 4.74 $ 9.5%
France is 9.5% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 20.08 $ 23.19 $ 13.4%
France is 13.4% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 13.86 $ 13.97 $ 0.8%
France is 0.8% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 21.30 $ 10.88 $ 95.8%
France is 95.8% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.12 $ 2.90 $ 7.6%
France is 7.6% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.33 $ 2.11 $ 10.4%
France is 10.4% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.10 $ 2.86 $ 8.4%
France is 8.4% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.63 $ 3.23 $ 12.4%
France is 12.4% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.35 $ 2.47 $ 4.9%
France is 4.9% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.45 $ 2.13 $ 15.0%
France is 15.0% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.57 $ 1.59 $ 1.3%
France is 1.3% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 70.58 $ 44.39 $ 59.0%
France is 59.0% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 13.66 $ 14.23 $ 4.0%
France is 4.0% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.16 $ 2.28 $ 5.3%
France is 5.3% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 5.46 $ ? N/A
Taxi per Kilometer 2.28 $ ? N/A
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.22 $ ? N/A
Gasoline (1L) 2.04 $ 2.14 $ 4.7%
France is 4.7% cheaper
New Economy Car 36,876.07 $ 36,426.43 $ 1.2%
France is 1.2% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 36,162.84 $ 31,127.52 $ 16.2%
France is 16.2% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 210.87 $ 114.40 $ 84.3%
France is 84.3% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 25.59 $ 12.86 $ 99.0%
France is 99.0% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 34.21 $ 53.25 $ 35.8%
France is 35.8% cheaper
Gym Membership 37.20 $ 35.57 $ 4.6%
France is 4.6% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 18.42 $ 15.37 $ 19.8%
France is 19.8% more expensive
Movie Ticket 13.66 $ 11.38 $ 20.0%
France is 20.0% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 800.37 $ 85.37 $ 837.5%
France is 837.5% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 11,595.44 $ ? N/A
1 Pair of Jeans 102.59 $ 117.63 $ 12.8%
France is 12.8% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 43.82 $ 37.00 $ 18.4%
France is 18.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 104.20 $ 114.78 $ 9.2%
France is 9.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 138.28 $ 132.80 $ 4.1%
France is 4.1% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 875.36 $ 924.89 $ 5.4%
France is 5.4% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 692.40 $ 683.00 $ 1.4%
France is 1.4% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,634.03 $ 1,536.74 $ 6.3%
France is 6.3% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,289.02 $ 1,052.95 $ 22.4%
France is 22.4% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,484.72 $ 3,414.98 $ 89.9%
France is 89.9% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 4,425.62 $ 3,016.56 $ 46.7%
France is 46.7% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,687.45 $ 2,017.11 $ 33.2%
France is 33.2% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.66 4.00 8.5%
France is 8.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Reunion. Enter your monthly expenses in France to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between France and Reunion goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for France vs Reunion

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

France

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Reunion

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.