When a person makes a decision to emigrate, he often faces a complex task of choosing the country where he’s going to move. Of course, sometimes a place is chosen first, and then a decision is already taken to move, but the first scenario is more common. The person begins to search for information, compare, ask questions…
Our article today is intended to assist those who choose between France and Spain. Let’s start with some statistics:

Population
FranceSpain
Population Density Per Square Kilometre122.793.6
Life Expectancy For Men80 years81 yers
Life Expectancy For Women86 years86 years
Median Age41.7 years43.9 years
Birth Rate11.20%7.60%
Death Rate9.10%8.80%
Migration Rate1.06%1.39%

 

Quality of Life (from 0 to 100, higher is better)
FranceSpain
Political Stability7167
Civil Rights8373
Health Care9188
Climate4174

 

Economy
FranceSpain
Unemployment Rate8%15.5%
Inflation1.64%-0.32
Cost of Living115.98%100%
Taxes60.70%47.00%
Average Income€ 33,381€23,134
Corruption Index71 (high)61 (moderate)

 

Climate
FranceSpain
Average Temperature Daytime16.7°C21.0°C
Average Temperature At Night7.9°C11.1°C
Water Temperature15.4°C16.7°C
Humidity78%68%
Rainy Days8,95,9
Sunny Hours Per Day5,47,0

*Data from the portal datosmundial.com, according to May 2022.

Quality of Life Index
FranceSpain
Purchasing Power IndexModerate 76.99Moderate 75.14
Safety IndexModerate 45.81High 65.21
Health Care IndexHigh 79.96High 78.16
Climate IndexVery High 89.97Very High 93.65
Cost of Living IndexModerate 68.30Low 49.50
Property Price to Income RatioHigh 12.19Low 7.45
Traffic Commute Time IndexLow 34.72Low 29.20
Pollution IndexModerate 42.22Low 39.14
Quality of Life IndexHigh 151.15Very High 172.04

*Data from the portal numbeo.com, according to June 2022.

France VS Spain: Similarities and Differences

Below we have put together all the main similarities and differences between the two countries according to those people’s opinions who managed to live in both places.

Employment

France has a much lower unemployment rate. It is much easier to find a job here than in Spain.
In addition, France offers higher salaries than Spain, but the cost of living is also higher.

Cost of Living

As already mentioned, the cost of living in Spain is lower in virtually all areas than in France. A detailed price comparison of these two countries can be found in the last part of this article.

Paris is the most expensive city in France. Life here is much more expensive than in any Spanish city, including popular Madrid and Barcelona.

Climate

According to climatic conditions, Spain wins over France: there are more sunny days, higher average annual air temperature and sea water temperature. However, when choosing a zone for living, it should be borne in mind that the climate varies greatly from region to region.

In Spain, there are both zones where there is practically no winter, and zones where the temperature drops below zero and it snows in the cold season. Another undeniable advantage of Spain: anyone can find a climate to his liking here. Just a few hours drive and you are at the sea, or in the mountains, or on the ocean cost, or at a ski resort, or in a green forest…

Beaches

In Spain, there are lots of them, for every taste: wild and perfectly landscaped, sandy and rocky, nudist, surfer, for relaxing with children or pets, for diving or snorkeling, for long walks and admiring sunsets – the choices are limitless.

Nature

Nature and landscapes are beautiful both in Spain and in France. However, if we talk about the first country, the northern regions are pleased with more diverse and beautiful views, while the southern ones are more arid.

Mentality

There are legends about the hospitality and goodwill of the Spaniards, and they are really well-founded. Moreover, the further south, the more open, tolerant and life-loving Spaniards are.

The French are more closed persons. However, it is also worth bearing in mind the difference between urban and rural mentality. In big cities, people are more serious and withdrawn, whereas the inhabitants of the province are more sincere and more sociable.

Quality and Lifestyle

Life in Spain is simpler and quieter, but at the same time, it can be too noisy and lively for introverts and peace lovers here. Spaniards are very social, they love to spend time in bars, talk loudly and laugh – they are very emotional and expressive persons. So, those who prefer tranquility and privacy are unlikely to feel comfortable in resort towns in high season.

Spain offers a huge variety of languages, cultures, and gastronomic traditions, while France is more conservative in this respect. One of the striking features of Spain is that many bright festivals and holidays are held here.

The quality of life in France is somewhat higher than in Spain, as well as is the level of education and health care. France also has a more developed transport system than Spain.

In both Spain and France, family and family values are of paramount importance.

In France, there are no striking differences in certain areas of life between regions, unlike in Spain. The most vivid example is regional languages like Catalan in Catalonia, where the local authorities are gradually «pushing» through its advantage over the general Spanish – Castilian in all areas, including education.

Bureaucracy and Social Sphere

The Spanish bureaucracy is a nightmare for all those who have had to deal with it. The administrative organization «limps on both legs», all processes are extremely slow, and the waiting times for even the simplest documents sometimes exceed all reasonable limits.
In France, this area is organized much better. Unemployment benefit, social package and assistance to immigrants are those areas where France also overtakes Spain.

France and Spain: Obtaining a Residence Permit

Ways of Obtaining a Residence Permit in France

A residence permit in France allows a foreign citizen to stay at the territory of this country for more than 180 days a year. French residence permit is issued for a year with the possibility of renewal 5 times.
The main conditions for obtaining a residence permit in France are the following:

  • Age over 18 years.
  • Having your own or rented accommodation in France.
  • No criminal record in the homeland and in the EU.
  • No debts.
  • Absence of diseases dangerous to public health.
  • To obtain a residence permit in France, you first need to obtain a D-Visa, which allows to enter this country.

Residence Permit in France for Financial Independence

This residence type gives the right to live in France, but not to work throughout its territory. At the same time, the residence permit holder can work as a freelancer that includes translators, artists, journalists, programmers, designers, etc. The key condition is not to apply for jobs in France, for free health care and social benefits. This residence permit can include children under 18 and parents over 65 who are dependent on the applicant.

To obtain this residence permit, you must have a certain amount on the bank account and receive income outside of France.

Residence Permit in France for Entrepreneurs

There are two ways: a Commerçant-Visa, which is issued for a year upon submission of a business plan or the purchase of a ready-made business in France, and registration of a company’s representative office operating outside France.

Student Residence Permit in France

This residence permit is issued for a year upon admission to an educational institution in France, if the period of study exceeds 3 months. In the future, this residence permit can be extended or converted into a working residence permit in compliance with the relevant requirements. The student has the right to work, but not more than 20 hours per week.

Residence Permit in France for Investments

This residence permit is issued to investors who have made a financial contribution to any company in France in the amount of at least 300,000 euros. In addition, the investor must own at least 10% of the company’s assets. This residence permit is valid for 4 years. At the same time, the investor is obliged to create new jobs during this time.

The second option is an investment of at least 30,000 euros in exchange to establish a business in France. The investor must have a master’s degree and at least 5 years of professional experience. He must also submit a detailed business plan. This residence permit also has a validity period of 4 year and can be extended thereafter.

Work Residence Permit in France

It’s the toughest way. This type of residence permit is issued on the basis of an employment contract with a French employer. In addition, for its registration, it is necessary to obtain permission from the authorities: the employer must prove that he did not find a more suitable candidate for this vacancy among the citizens of France and the EU.

The residence permit, like an employment contract, has a duration of 1 year.

Also, France offers a special program for highly qualified specialists – «Passport Talent» or «Passeport Talent».
Residence Permit in France Through Marriage

When marrying a citizen of France, a foreigner is entitled to a visa equivalent to a residence permit. To do this, you must undergo an interview and a special inspection period for false marriages. Four years after the date of marriage, a foreigner can apply for French citizenship.

These were the main ways to obtain a residence permit in France. Here we have given only a brief description, without going into details, just giving our readers the opportunity to compare the possibilities of obtaining a residence permit in Spain and in France.

Ways for Obtaining a Residence Permit in Spain

We have already written in detail about all the ways to obtain a residence permit in Spain in our other article.
Let’s just remind you that the most popular ways of immigration to Spain are:

France VS Spain: Cost of Living

Please find below tables with average prices of essential goods and services in France and Spain regarding the website data numbeo.com as for June 2022.

Indices Difference

  • Consumer Prices in Spain are 28.18% lower than in France (without rent).
  • Consumer Prices Including Rent in Spain are 24.94% lower than in France.
  • Rent Prices in Spain are 15.64% lower than in France.
  • Restaurant Prices in Spain are 25.76% lower than in France.
  • Groceries Prices in Spain are 38.17% lower than in France.
  • Local Purchasing Power in Spain is 1.71% lower than in France.
RestaurantsFranceSpain
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant15.00 €11.00 €-26.67 %
Mid-range Restaurant, 2 Persons, 3-course60.00 €50.00 €-16.67 %
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)9.00 €8.00 €-11.11 %
Local Beer (0.5 l)6.00 €2.50 €-58.33 %
Imported Beer (0.33 l, bottle)5.00 €3.00 €-40.00 %
Cappuccino2.87 €1.67 €-41.90 %
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 l, bottle)2.63 €1.80 €-31.50 %
Water (0.33 l, bottle)1.74 €1.20 €-30.64 %

 

Supermarket ProductsFranceSpain
Milk (1 l)1.01 €0.80 €-20.76 %
White Bread (500g)1.51 €1.02 €-32.58 %
White Rice (1kg)1.88 €1.16 €-37.94 %
Eggs (12 pcs)3.06 €1.99 €-34.92 %
Local Cheese (1kg)15.87 €10.17 €-35.90 %
Chicken Fillets (1kg)10.31 €6.20 €-39.87 %
Beef (1kg)18.12 €10.41 €-42.57 %
Apples (1kg)2.59 €1.78 €-31.29 %
Banana (1kg)1.92 €1.60 €-16.33 %
Oranges (1kg)2.47 €1.45 €-41.31 %
Tomato (1kg)2.94 €1.68 €-42.87 %
Potato (1kg)1.74 €1.17 €-32.98 %
Onion (1kg)1.97 €1.25 €-36.46 %
Lettuce (1 pc)1.15 €0.95 €-17.09 %
Water (1.5 l, bottle)0.71 €0.64 €-8.72 %
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)7.00 €5.00 €-28.57 %
Local Beer (0.5 l, bottle)2.07 €0.90 €-56.64 %
Imported Beer (0.33 l, bottle)2.37 €1.55 €-34.48 %
Cigarettes, Pack 20 (Marlboro or Similar)10.00 €5.00 €-50.00 %

 

Urban TransportFranceSpain
One-way1.65 €1.40 €-15.15 %
Bus Monthly Pass65.00 €40.00 €-38.46 %
Taxi Start2.50 €3.50 €+40.00 %
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)1.74 €1.08 €-37.93 %
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)25.20 €20.00 €-20.63 %
Gasoline (1 l)1.99 €1.57 €-21.05 %
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 l (or Equivalent New Car)24,000.00 €21,000.00 €-12.50 %
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 l (or Equivalent New Car)24,535.85 €21,864.65 €-10.89 %

 

Monthly Utility SupplyFranceSpain
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment152.51 €120.71 €-20.85 %
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local0.17 €0.17 €-1.82 %
Internet (Unlimited, Cable/ADSL)29.23 €37.07 €+26.82 %

 

Sports And LeisureFranceSpain
Fitness Club, per Month33.20 €37.29 €+12.31 %
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)14.71 €11.72 €-20.33 %
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat10.00 €8.00 €-20.00 %

 

ChildcareFranceSpain
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, 1 Child, per Month616.69 €360.62 €-41.52 %
International Primary School, 1 Child, per Year9,674.42 €7,164.93 €-25.94 %

 

Clothing & ShoesFranceSpain
Jeans (Levis 501 or Similar), 1 Pair81.01 €72.28 €-10.77 %
Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, etc.), 1 pc35.34 €28.89 €-18.26 %
Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range), 1 Pair82.90 €67.75 €-18.27 %
Men Leather Business Shoes, 1 Pair110.82 €84.99 €-23.31 %

 

Rent Per MonthFranceSpain
1-Bedroom Apartment, City Centre773.34 €744.12 €-3.78 %
1-Bedroom Apartment, Outside of Centre608.81 €603.58 €-0.86 %
3-Bedroom Apartment, City Centre1,630.30 €1,240.77 €-23.89 %
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside of Centre1,129.19 €929.00 €-17.73 %

 

Buying PropertyFranceSpain
Apartment in City Centre, per sq.m.6,520.74 €3,094.49 €-52.54 %
Apartment Outside of Centre, per sq.m4,505.06 €1,888.32 €-58.08 %

 

Salaries And FinancingFranceSpain
Net Salary (After Tax), Average Monthly2,267.12 €1,672.57 €-26.22 %
Mortgage Interest Rate, %, Yearly, Fixed-Rate1.492.29+54.26 %

In this article, we have tried to compare France VS Spain in the most important aspects of life. We hope that this information will be useful to you when choosing a country for immigration and life.

Do you have experience of living in both countries and have something to say? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments on our social networks.

Also don’t forget that our managers are always ready to assist you by purchasing real estate and immigration to Spain, as well as provide the necessary advice about choosing and acquiring real property in Spain, obtaining a residence permit, including the Golden Visa, diploma homologation, placement children in school and etc.

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