Cost of Living: French Guiana vs France

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between French Guiana and France.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in French Guiana is 10.7% more expensive than France. The biggest difference is in Mobile and Internet, where costs are 91.9% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in France, you would spend about $111 in French Guiana for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Mobile and Internet 91.9%

French Guiana is 91.9% more expensive

Restaurants 28.0%

French Guiana is 28.0% more expensive

Sports And Leisure 15.8%

French Guiana is 15.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 10.7%

French Guiana is 10.7% more expensive than France

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +91.9%
  • Restaurants +28.0%
  • Sports And Leisure +15.8%

Is French Guiana cheaper than France?

No, France is cheaper than French Guiana

Overall, living costs in France are 10.7% lower than in French Guiana.

Where France is cheaper:

  • Mobile and Internet 91.9% cheaper
  • Restaurants 28.0% cheaper
  • Sports And Leisure 15.8% cheaper

Where France is more expensive:

  • Childcare 91.7% more expensive
  • Property Prices 39.5% more expensive
  • Other Expenses 33.3% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

French Guiana: 10.24 $ France: 17.07 $
40.0% cheaper in French Guiana

1-bedroom apartment in city center

French Guiana: 1,063.77 $ France: 875.36 $
21.5% more expensive in French Guiana

Monthly public transport pass

French Guiana: 34.15 $ France: 70.58 $
51.6% cheaper in French Guiana

1 liter of milk

French Guiana: 3.04 $ France: 1.31 $
132.1% more expensive in French Guiana

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, France is indeed cheaper than French Guiana. You would spend approximately 10.7% on living expenses by choosing France over French Guiana. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

10.7%

French Guiana is 10.7% more expensive than France

Restaurants

28.0%

French Guiana is 28.0% more expensive than France in this category

Markets

5.5%

French Guiana is 5.5% more expensive than France in this category

Other Expenses

33.3%

French Guiana is 33.3% cheaper than France in this category

Transportation

9.1%

French Guiana is 9.1% more expensive than France in this category

Household Utilities

9.5%

French Guiana is 9.5% cheaper than France in this category

Mobile and Internet

91.9%

French Guiana is 91.9% more expensive than France in this category

Sports And Leisure

15.8%

French Guiana is 15.8% more expensive than France in this category

Childcare

91.7%

French Guiana is 91.7% cheaper than France in this category

Clothing And Shoes

13.7%

French Guiana is 13.7% cheaper than France in this category

Rent Per Month

13.3%

French Guiana is 13.3% more expensive than France in this category

Property Prices

39.5%

French Guiana is 39.5% cheaper than France in this category

Salaries And Financing

15.3%

French Guiana is 15.3% cheaper than France in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item French Guiana France Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 10.24 $ 17.07 $ 40.0%
French Guiana is 40.0% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 113.83 $ 68.30 $ 66.7%
French Guiana is 66.7% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.96 $ 12.52 $ 20.4%
French Guiana is 20.4% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.23 $ 3.63 $ 11.0%
French Guiana is 11.0% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.07 $ 3.19 $ 3.8%
French Guiana is 3.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.43 $ 2.21 $ 10.0%
French Guiana is 10.0% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.62 $ 0.78 $ 107.7%
French Guiana is 107.7% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 1.04 $ ? N/A
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.17 $ 3.33 $ 34.8%
French Guiana is 34.8% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 10.15 $ 11.38 $ 10.8%
French Guiana is 10.8% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 0.87 $ ? N/A
Milk (1L) 3.04 $ 1.31 $ 132.1%
French Guiana is 132.1% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 4.08 $ 2.04 $ 100.0%
French Guiana is 100.0% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 3.04 $ 2.59 $ 17.4%
French Guiana is 17.4% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 8.08 $ 4.29 $ 88.3%
French Guiana is 88.3% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 28.46 $ 20.08 $ 41.7%
French Guiana is 41.7% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 16.70 $ 13.86 $ 20.5%
French Guiana is 20.5% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 29.88 $ 21.30 $ 40.3%
French Guiana is 40.3% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 5.09 $ 3.12 $ 63.1%
French Guiana is 63.1% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 3.27 $ 2.33 $ 40.3%
French Guiana is 40.3% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 5.12 $ 3.10 $ 65.2%
French Guiana is 65.2% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 9.39 $ 3.63 $ 158.7%
French Guiana is 158.7% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 4.03 $ 2.35 $ 71.5%
French Guiana is 71.5% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 5.41 $ 2.45 $ 120.8%
French Guiana is 120.8% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 3.41 $ 1.57 $ 117.2%
French Guiana is 117.2% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 34.15 $ 70.58 $ 51.6%
French Guiana is 51.6% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 9.11 $ 13.66 $ 33.3%
French Guiana is 33.3% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.28 $ 2.16 $ 5.6%
French Guiana is 5.6% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 5.69 $ 5.46 $ 4.2%
French Guiana is 4.2% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 4.10 $ 2.28 $ 79.8%
French Guiana is 79.8% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 7.97 $ 37.22 $ 78.6%
French Guiana is 78.6% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 2.16 $ 2.04 $ 5.9%
French Guiana is 5.9% more expensive
New Economy Car 34,149.78 $ 36,876.07 $ 7.4%
French Guiana is 7.4% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 45,533.04 $ 36,162.84 $ 25.9%
French Guiana is 25.9% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 190.86 $ 210.87 $ 9.5%
French Guiana is 9.5% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 45.53 $ 25.59 $ 77.9%
French Guiana is 77.9% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 69.25 $ 34.21 $ 102.4%
French Guiana is 102.4% more expensive
Gym Membership 39.80 $ 37.20 $ 7.0%
French Guiana is 7.0% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 28.46 $ 18.42 $ 54.5%
French Guiana is 54.5% more expensive
Movie Ticket 11.95 $ 13.66 $ 12.5%
French Guiana is 12.5% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 683.00 $ 800.37 $ 14.7%
French Guiana is 14.7% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 341.50 $ 11,595.44 $ 97.1%
French Guiana is 97.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 79.68 $ 102.59 $ 22.3%
French Guiana is 22.3% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 45.53 $ 43.82 $ 3.9%
French Guiana is 3.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 108.14 $ 104.20 $ 3.8%
French Guiana is 3.8% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 102.45 $ 138.28 $ 25.9%
French Guiana is 25.9% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,063.77 $ 875.36 $ 21.5%
French Guiana is 21.5% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 815.80 $ 692.40 $ 17.8%
French Guiana is 17.8% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,612.63 $ 1,634.03 $ 1.3%
French Guiana is 1.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,593.66 $ 1,289.02 $ 23.6%
French Guiana is 23.6% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,452.92 $ 6,484.72 $ 46.8%
French Guiana is 46.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,149.37 $ 4,425.62 $ 28.8%
French Guiana is 28.8% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,276.65 $ 2,687.45 $ 15.3%
French Guiana is 15.3% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.53 3.66 3.6%
French Guiana is 3.6% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to France. Enter your monthly expenses in French Guiana 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 French Guiana and France 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 French Guiana vs France

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

Cultural Cost Differences

French Guiana

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

France

Seasonal Cost Variations

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