← Back to WhereToFIRE Calculator

🇬🇧 United Kingdom vs 🇫🇷 France

Side-by-side early retirement comparison — taxes, cost of living, healthcare, and FIRE number.

Key Takeaway

France is somewhat cheaper than United Kingdom for retirees. With a cost of living index of 75 vs 85, your money goes 12% further in France. Capital gains tax is 30% in France vs 18% in United Kingdom. Use the calculator to see your personalized FIRE number for both countries.

Side-by-Side Comparison

🇬🇧
United Kingdom
🇫🇷
France
Cost of Living
Overall Index
85
75
Rent (City)
$1,800/mo
$1,500/mo
Rent (Suburb)
$1,200/mo
$1,000/mo
Taxes
Capital Gains (LT)
18%
30%
Top Income Tax
45%
45%
Healthcare
Est. Annual Cost
$0
$0
Public Access
Yes
Yes
Other
Currency
£ GBP
€ EUR

Tax Comparison for Retirees

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Taxes

£0–£37,70020%
£37,700–£125,14040%
£125,140+45%

🇫🇷 France Taxes

0–€11,2940%
11,294–€28,79711%
28,797–€82,34130%
82,341–€177,10641%
177,106+45%

Special Tax Regimes for Expats

🇬🇧

Remittance Basis

Only UK-source and remitted foreign income taxed

Up to 15 years📋 Non-UK domiciled.

Calculate Your Exact FIRE Number

Enter your portfolio, spending, and retirement age to see a personalized comparison between United Kingdom and France — with Monte Carlo simulations and tax modeling.

🔥 Open Calculator — United Kingdom vs France

FAQ: United Kingdom vs France for Retirement

Is it cheaper to retire in France or United Kingdom?

France has a cost of living index of 75 compared to United Kingdom's 85(where US = 100). France is somewhat cheaper than United Kingdom for retirees. Your money goes approximately 12% further in France.

How do taxes compare between United Kingdom and France?

Capital gains tax is 30% in France vs 18% in United Kingdom. The top income tax rate is 45% in France vs 45% in United Kingdom. For FIRE retirees, the effective tax rate depends on your withdrawal strategy — use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

What about healthcare in France vs United Kingdom?

Estimated annual healthcare costs are $0 in Francevs $0 in United Kingdom. France offers public healthcare access for residents. United Kingdom offers public healthcare access for residents.

More Comparisons

More about retiring in United KingdomMore about retiring in France