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Health and insurance
Even with social security and mutual insurance, health costs remain a significant burden.
A good mutual insurance costs between EUR 40 and EUR 80 per month, but some expenditure remains, in particular optics and dental.
Leisure and social life
To live with dignity is not only to support oneself.
- An outing to the restaurant, a subscription to a streaming platform, a sports activity... Count between 150 and 300 dollars a month to enjoy moments of relaxation.
- Going on holiday once a year can amount to an expenditure of 1,000 to 2,500 dollars for a household.
What minimum income for a decent life in France?
According to the latest economic studies, these are the incomes needed to live well in 2024:
| Situation | Estimated net monthly income |
| Single | EUR 1 800 to EUR 2 000 (EUR 2 500 in Paris) |
| Couple without children | EUR 2 500 to EUR 3 000 |
| Couple with 2 children | EUR 3 500 to EUR 4 500 |
| Retired alone | EUR 1 800 |
| Coupled retirees | EUR 2 500 |
The impact of regional disparities
A single person can live properly with 1,800 dollars in the provinces, but in Paris, 2,500 dollars are often needed because of the cost of housing and everyday life.
In contrast, in cities such as Limoges, Saint-Étienne or Brest, an income of EUR 1 500 may be sufficient for a comfortable standard of living.
Is the SMIC sufficient to live in dignity?
Currently, the monthly net SMIC in 2024 is about EUR 1 400. But is that enough?
- Problem: With average rent, fixed charges, and inflation, there is little room for leisure, savings, or contingencies.
- Solution: To achieve a more stable standard of living, it would take at least EUR 1 800 per month for a single person, well beyond the SMIC.
What solutions to live better with your income?
If your income is below these thresholds, there are several ways to improve its quality of life.
-
Optimising your budget
- Compare insurance and energy offers to reduce its bills.
- Preference should be given to the home for food instead of prepared dishes.
- Reduce unnecessary expenditure (unused subscriptions, impulse purchases).
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Search for financial aid
- APL, RSA, activity bonuses, family allowances, etc. Many aids exist depending on your situation.
- Support for training and employment: some regions propose mechanisms to improve its employability.
-
Developing additional income
- Freelancer, micro-enterprises, online missions ... Several options increase his income.
- Invest smartly (real estate, savings, investments) to prepare for the future.
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