Life in the USA vs France – the biggest differences

Changing locations will be a huge task. Especially when you have an international move ahead of you. And when you plan to leave the USA for France, you need to get some crucial information beforehand to make the task smoother. That’s why we offer you some differences when you compare life in the USA vs France. Of course, having international movers will make the process even smoother and easier to do. Let’s take a look at some of the major things you need to look out for.

Cost of living is one of the first factors that you’re able to feel after the relocation

It’s important to notice that both the USA and France are pretty high on the list of places to live in. But it’s important to notice that almost everything will be more expensive in France. This might come as a surprise to many people. But not for the ones that have been moving to France from USA beforehand. There will be rare things that will be cheaper in France like wine or cheese. Especially if you plan to move to bigger cities like Paris. Housing can be something that will stand out with its higher costs. Many people expect Europe to be cheaper than the US. But that’s not always the case. Especially for a country like France.

Differences in housing will be evident as homes in the USA and France are very different

Besides the high housing prices, the way housing works in France will be different. Homes in the US are usually very big and spacious with sometimes several bathrooms in one home. On the other hand, in France, you will have much smaller homes that will be very limited when it comes to space. But there’s no need to worry as international furniture movers will know how to get around any challenge. But it will take some time for you to adjust to such a change. Especially as you’ll notice that in France everything will be much smaller and more compact when you compare life in the USA vs France.

Social care is going to be something that you can rely on in France

In the US, people rarely expect anything from the government. And during the pandemic getting some support was an exception from the rule. Almost any type of social care is very limited. On the other hand, you will have a strong social network that will be there to support you. One of the huge differences that you’ll notice as a US citizen will be the healthcare. You will get pretty much the same if not better healthcare for a fraction of the price or almost for free. Overall, it will be very cheap to have some social services available, while others will even be free.

Education expenses and options are very different in the USA and France

Education will be an important part of any relocation. Especially if you’re a student or have kids and move with a family. That’s why it’s important that you check out what are the differences in the educational systems of the USA and France. If you take into consideration how many people are in debt in the US after finishing their education, you will be more than happy to live in France. Education is almost free or will cost a small amount. There just won’t be that pressure from a financial standpoint when you take on a project and want to complete your education.

Life in the USA vs France is very different when it comes to transportation

Getting around will be something that is an evident difference when you compare life in the USA vs France. In the US roads are bigger and the towns and cities are built in a way that everyone is very car-dependent. The fuel costs will be somewhat higher in France as the costs of fuel are higher in Europe. But on the other hand, the cars will be much smaller as the cities in France are not as built around car transportation. Overall, you can always count on international car transportation to help you get your car to your new location. Overall, wherever in France you might be, you can even count on public transportation. And don’t get us started with walkability in the cities of France.

Food and cuisine is an obvious thing you’ll notice

Of course, the food and drinks will be so much different in the US and France. And obviously, everyone will have their own personal preferences. However, lunchtime is something very important for the French. Overall, the period from 12 pm to 2 pm will be reserved to have lunch with their family and friends. That’s why you will see many things closed during those hours. Of course, you can’t talk about food without mentioning french bread, cheese, and wine. On the other hand, the USA is a melting pot of cultures. This means that you might get a bigger variety back home. However, you will get some quality food in France without a doubt.

The way people interact with each other can be a bit of a shock for some from the US

You might be from a part of the US that is very friendly and communicative. Back in the states, you will see a lot of people having conversations with their cashiers or people at the markets. However, in France, all of that will be strictly business. You won’t meet a lot of French people that will be overly expressive. However, don’t think that anyone is rude to you as that’s the way people communicate there. On top of that, learning the language can truly open doors for you. So don’t be lazy and brush up on your French before you decide to move.

Life in the USA vs France will come with a lot of differences. That’s why we’re sure that you’ll be more than happy with the information we provided you with. Obviously, there will be a lot of things that you might not be accustomed to. However, with a BBB-approved moving company handling your relocation, you will make easy work of this relocation. With all of that in mind, you will have a task that will be smooth and without major difficulties.