Oh to be in Languedoc

According to government figures, the cost of living in France is about the same as the Uk and a bit higher than in the USA – but these are “average” figures, if you ask me about living in Languedoc, then there are savings on property prices – food costs and heating local taxes etc – so the cost of living in the department of Aude (11) which has just been voted by l’Express as the best place to live in France – can be about half of that of living in most places in the home counties in the UK.

What is not considered are things like the quality of life – the safety, politeness, culture, sunshine and family values – things like reduction in stress, empty roads, the best health care in Europe and great education (up to university anyway).

It is not all bluebirds – every weekend I have to put up with lycra clad christmas trees wobbling three abreast on their silly bicylces, roads full of Dutch camping cars full of Edam and Gouda every summer, dog poo on the streets and no pubs. Oh yes – and there are French people everywhere.

=======

Hello Tony,

We haven’t e-mailed you before but have been receiving your blogs with great interest for some considerable time now.

We are a couple in our mid 50′s who are getting close to our own long held ambition to move to the Languedoc region.

Initially we would be looking to rent for 3-6mths later this year with a view to finding a suitable property to purchase.We would be looking for a 2-3 bedroomed town/village property (as opposed to city/coastal)in the region of 150-200000 euros  and wonder if you could help us get a rough idea of the comparative cost of living.

We live in a 3 bed semi in Kent and our monthly utility outgoings ie: rates £110 water rates £45 gas & elec £50 telephone inc broadband internet £45 total £250.

As early retirees we were surprised by the recent change in the law in france regarding health cover for expats.We realise we will now have to fund our own health cover but despite trawling the net,can’t seem to find an insurance company who have taken these changes into consideration.Are you able to point us in the direction of any companies that now cater for people like us.

It is a great site-keep up the good work.

Many thanks Bob & Jody

===

Hello Bob and Jody

Wow – that is a real “ball of string” question – but I will do my best to give an answer.

You can buy a nice, 2 bed village house in your budget – the monthly direct costs will be in the region of  250 to 300 euro a month for the items you list (local taxes, heat, electric, phone etc)

A supermarket trolly-full will cost about the same, but the quality will be at least twice as good – if you fill it with wine it will cost very much less than the UK price.

Eating out is less than half the price of UK (and better, except you can’t get a decent Indian) – travel about a third of the price (and clean, fast and reliable).

Fuel is about two thirds of the price of the UK.

Unless you are working, health insurance will cost you about 90 to 150 a month for 100 percent cover (depending on your personal condition) – once you are in the system you have a few companies to choose from approved by the state – we use GAN

When you want a home here, please come and see me first to give me a chance to earn a commission (so I can pay my own rates and taxes etc) – I can also find you a rental.

Hope to see you in Languedoc

best wishes

Tony