I can’t remember what scenario 832€ a month applies to but it strikes me as tight.
Assuming a couple, not necessarily elderly but retired/inactif living in a paid-for 3 bedroom property in la not-so-profonde France, with a car, let’s make some headings (plus notes) for the essentials - per month:
Food - 320€
I’m basing this on our family spend, less a bit (less quite a lot actually). Maybe a little generous?
TF/TdH - 50€
I’m assuming no TdH as this is main residence. Our TF is a shade under 600€, don’t know if that is average or not. TF is not paid by certain groups (see later posts).
TV - 12€
TV licence s currently 139€ per year, but if you were means tested as exempt from TdH (which you would be if you only had 832€ per month income) then you would not pay the TV either.
Heating/energy - 100€
I’m lumping this all together, increased from 75€ based on @Teresaship’s comment; could still be a little on the low side depending on type of fuel used?
Water - 20€
We pay a fraction more
Refuse - 10€
We pay separately - it’s about 120€ a year for residents but that’s only one collection a month IIRC
Phone/Internet - 37€
Based on the base Orange tariff for VDSL internet+phone
Mobile - 25€
I’m assuming a mobile is not a luxury these days - 12.5€ as a “finger in the air” cost of a plan times 2
Household insurance - 25€
Ours is in the 300€ pa ballpark.
Motoring - 100€
I’m assuming modest vehicle petrol hatchback, low mileage, estimated running cost including maintenance, fuel and insurance 1200€ pa based on personal experience and published figures online (just google “motoring costs”).
Clothing - 50€
No idea, is 600 per year for a couple unreasonable? The last pair of jeans I bought were not expensive but still 60 quid.
Health - 67€
thanks to Peter Gobel for letting us know his mutuelle fees
I know the original query was for a single person but, apart from a lower food bill and just one mobile phone it probably isn’t much cheaper for one than it is for a couple.
Any comments - that’s 816€ per month (754€ if not paying TF/TV) without anything for health cover or much in the way of luxuries - no eating out, no cinema, no small amount put aside per month for unexpected bills, no household costs, no toiletries etc.
Have I forgotten any categories, would anyone care to proffer figures based on experience living in France??
Over to you!