How I Save €€ Every Month in France

One of the questions I get asked most often is:

"How much does it cost to live comfortably in France?"

While everyone's budget is different, I believe there is another, equally important question:

How can you make your money go further without sacrificing your lifestyle?

Since moving to France, I've spent a lot of time comparing providers, testing cashback programs, and finding ways to reduce my monthly expenses. The result is that I'm saving hundreds of euros every year while enjoying exactly the same lifestyle.

Here are some of my favorite money-saving strategies.

1. Switch Your Electricity Provider

After rent, electricity is one of the largest recurring household expenses in France.

Like many people, I initially stayed with EDF. However, after comparing offers, I found that Primeo Énergie offered me electricity at approximately 20% below EDF's regulated tariff, with the price guaranteed through the end of 2027.

For my household, that works out to approximately €30 in savings every month, or around €360 per year.

If you're looking for a simple way to lower your monthly bills, this is one of the easiest changes you can make.

Referral Bonus

If you'd like to try Primeo ( https://particuliers.primeo-energie.fr/ ) , you can receive a €15 welcome bonus by using my referral code:

CLT33539321

2. Earn Cashback on Purchases You Were Already Going to Make

Many people are surprised to learn that cashback websites exist in France.

Instead of paying full price, I earn money back on purchases I was already planning to make.

Some recent examples include:

• Hotels.com bookings

• Online shopping

• Purchasing my television

• Buying my washer/dryer

• Carrefour gift cards

• 18% cashback on Spider-Man movie tickets

These savings quickly add up over the course of a year.

If you're new to cashback, I've written a complete guide covering the best cashback websites available in France.

https://www.mybestmoneylife.com/best-cashback-websites-in-france-2026-earn-cashback-on-online-purchases-you-would-make-anyways

I recently created a partnership with iGraal where my readers get double the welcome bonus via my referral link here: https://fr.igraal.com/parrainage?parrain=AG_68812298153b2&utm_medium=inf&utm_source=premium

3. Take Advantage of Grocery Store Loyalty Programs

French supermarkets have some of the most generous loyalty programs I've seen.

Rather than offering small discounts, they frequently return a large percentage of your purchase as store credit.

Recent promotions I've taken advantage of include:

• Carrefour: 80% back in loyalty credit on Head & Shoulders shampoo

• E.Leclerc: 70% back in loyalty credit on laundry detergent

August is also an excellent time to stock up on school supplies, as many supermarkets run generous back-to-school promotions.

Don't Forget Manufacturer Cashback

Another overlooked opportunity is Envie de Plus, Procter & Gamble's cashback website.

After purchasing eligible products, simply upload your receipt to receive cashback.

While the conditions can be a little restrictive (many offers are limited to one item per receipt), it's an easy way to reduce your grocery bill.

You can find it here:

https://www.enviedeplus.com/

4. Bundle Your Internet and Streaming Services

Entertainment subscriptions can quickly become expensive.

Instead of paying separately for internet, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Canal+, I chose Free's Fibre Ultra package.

For around €50 per month, my package includes:

• High-speed Fiber Internet

• Amazon Prime

• Netflix (with ads)

• Disney+ (with ads)

• Canal+

Since several people in my household stream simultaneously, the higher bandwidth is well worth it.

If you're already paying separately for multiple streaming services, it's worth comparing bundled internet packages before renewing your subscriptions.

5. Stop Paying Expensive Banking Fees

This is one area where I think many newcomers to France overpay.

I regularly see people carrying Visa Premier cards from traditional banks that cost around €180 per year in annual fees.

Personally, I use Fortuneo's Mastercard World Elite, a card that often costs over €300 per year at traditional French banks.

Because I meet Fortuneo's income requirement (currently €4,000 per month), I receive the card completely free.

If you're moving to France or looking to change banks, the savings can be substantial.

I've written a detailed guide explaining the best banking options for Americans living in France:

https://www.mybestmoneylife.com/banking-for-americans-in-france-best-options-and-setup-guide-2026

6. Save Money Every Time You Eat Out

One of my favorite apps in France is TheFork.

Not only does it allow you to reserve restaurants online, but many participating restaurants also offer discounts of 30% to 50% off your meal.

For example, I recently booked a restaurant in Nantes with a 50% discount.

In addition, every reservation earns loyalty points.

Over the past six months, I've accumulated enough points to receive €50 off dinner at a pizzeria in Paris.

One thing to note is that these rewards are generally more valuable in larger cities like Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, or Nantes. In Rennes, there are currently fewer participating restaurants where loyalty vouchers can be redeemed.

Referral Bonus

If you're new to TheFork, you can receive 1,000 loyalty points (worth €20 off a future reservation) after your first eligible booking using my referral link:

tfk.io/3yrz697a

Final Thoughts

Living well in France doesn't necessarily mean spending more.

Many of the savings above come from making small, one-time changes that continue to pay off month after month.

By:

• choosing a lower-cost electricity provider,

• earning cashback on purchases,

• maximizing supermarket loyalty programs,

• bundling internet and streaming services,

• avoiding unnecessary banking fees, and

• taking advantage of restaurant discounts,

I've been able to save hundreds of euros every year without changing my lifestyle.

If you're moving to France or simply looking to reduce your monthly expenses, I highly recommend reviewing these areas.

My Best Money Life

Helping you live your best life in both France and the United States

Disclaimer

The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We recommend that you consult a qualified professional before making any financial or investment decisions.

Support

Timothy@mybestmoneylife.com

© 2026. All rights reserved.

Privacy Notice