I THOUGHT it might prove useful for people to get an idea of the cost of living in the Dordogne, so you can plan ahead if you want to visit or are looking to make a permanent move.
Below is a selection of everyday items that will provide an idea of what things cost such as petrol, bread and other important items that you will find in a shopping basket.
I will look to update the items regularly so that we both get an idea of the evolving price range over time.
| Item – quantity – prices in Euros | 08/22 | 09/22 | 07/23 | 03/24 |
| Petrol Sp-95 E10 / litre | 1.79 | 1.53 | 1.70 | 1.85 |
| Bread – baguette | 1.00 | |||
| Loaf sliced bread 550g | 1.11 | 1.11 | 1.39 | 2.04 |
| Semi-skimmed milk / litre | 1.09 | |||
| Oat milk / litre | 1.55 | 1.55 | 1.79 | 1.60 |
| Coffee 500g | ||||
| Eggs bio (6) | 1.89 | |||
| Flour type 45 1kg | 0.80 | |||
| Butter 250g | ||||
| Potatoes 2.5kg | 2.50 | |||
| Chickpeas 265g | ||||
| Chopped tomatoes 400g | 0.99 | 1.09 | ||
| Ratatouille 750g | 1.25 | 1.38 | 1.69 | 1.90 |
| Pasta penne 1kg | 1.40 | 1.79 | ||
| Rice 1kg | ||||
| Brie cheese 500g | ||||
| Coulommiers cheese 350g | 1.79 | 1.79 | 1.99 | 2.68 |
| Muesli 500g | 2.79 | 2.95 | 3.99 | 4.44 |
| Cereal bars (6) | 1.26 | 1.39 | 1.59 | 1.57 |
| Salted crisps 6x30g | 1.19 | 1.19 | ||
| Soya meat 2x200g | 2.29 | 2.29 | ||
| Orange juice 1l | ||||
| Lager (1664) 10x250cl | 5.99 |
Tackle living expenses
There can be a marked price difference between some of the budget chains, such as Aldi and Lidl, when compared to Intermarché and Leclerc, the prices above are in the main from Aldi.
Packaged goods from supermarkets can often be expensive, especially more well known names, but you can get an idea of prices in advance by undertaking a ‘phantom shop’ through a supermarket’s website.
The larger chains offer a Drive service that lets you do a shop to get an idea of prices, that you would normally go along and pick up a little later, but you don’t need to do this to get the latest prices.
Petrol and energy prices
Another thing you can do is check petrol prices online around your local area, as there can be real difference across France.
Energy prices are items that are seeing some of the steepest price increases around the word, although the French market is much more controlled by the government and any rises are formed in agreement with providers and consumer groups.
You can get an idea of the possible price you will pay based on the size of your property, the number of people in it and what types of electrical equipment you have and the choices you make for hot water and heating your home.
EDF provide information on getting an estimation through their website, one for electricity and another covers gas use.
The use of bottled gas is also common in the French countryside and again you can get an idea of prices by checking local suppliers who usually place a price list on the cage holding the gas bottles.
But if you want to keep an eye on costs, fruit and vegetables from local markets are a good option and do as the French do, buy local – buy seasonal.
