Thinking about relocating to France or Italy? This comprehensive France vs Italy comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional considering a move to Europe, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
+29.7%
France pays more
France
42 800 €
avg. salary
Italy
33.000 €
avg. salary
France vs Italy Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
42 800 €33.000 €Median Salary
36 000 €28.000 €Minimum Wage
21 876 €0 €Top 10%
70 000 €65.000 €Work-Life Balance: France vs Italy
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
35 hours (legal limit)
40 hours
Annual Leave
25 days minimum (5 weeks)
20-26 days (varies by contract)
Public Holidays
11 days
12 days
Sick Leave
Unlimited (50% from Social Security + employer top-up)
Up to 180 days at 50-100% salary
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
5 months at 80% salary
Paternity Leave
28 days at 100% salary
10 days at 100% salary
France vs Italy for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
France
Why Work in France
35-Hour Work Week
France has one of the shortest legal work weeks in Europe, promoting excellent work-life balance.
Strong Labor Protections
Extensive worker rights, including protection against unfair dismissal and strong union representation.
Excellent Healthcare
One of the world's best healthcare systems, with most costs covered by social security.
Generous Parental Leave
Comprehensive maternity, paternity, and parental leave policies supporting families.
Quality of Life
Rich culture, excellent food, and a lifestyle that prioritizes enjoyment and personal time.
Challenges of Living in France
High Tax Burden
Combined income tax and social contributions can reach 45% or more of gross salary.
Language Requirement
French is essential for most workplaces; English-only positions are limited mainly to Paris.
Complex Bureaucracy
French administration is notoriously complex and often requires patience and paperwork.
Lower Salaries Than Neighbors
Compared to Germany or Netherlands, French salaries can be lower in similar roles.
Rigid Labor Market
Strong protections can make it harder to find positions as employers are cautious about hiring.
Italy
Why Work in Italy
Quality of Life
Excellent food, culture, climate, and work-life balance with emphasis on enjoying life.
Lower Cost of Living
Outside Milan, living costs are significantly lower than Northern Europe.
Strong Worker Protections
Robust labor laws, generous leave, and mandatory severance fund (TFR).
Cultural Experience
World-class art, history, cuisine, and lifestyle opportunities.
Healthcare
Universal healthcare system ranked among the best in the world.
Challenges of Living in Italy
Lower Salaries
Wages are generally lower than Northern Europe, especially in tech.
Bureaucracy
Complex administrative processes and paperwork can be frustrating.
Language Barrier
English proficiency in workplaces varies; Italian is often necessary.
Economic Uncertainty
Higher unemployment rates, especially for youth, and slower economic growth.
Regional Disparities
Significant economic gap between North and South Italy.
Tax Rates France vs Italy
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
France
- Progressive tax system from 0% to 45%
- Family quotient system reduces tax for families
- CSG (9.2%) and CRDS (0.5%) on 98.25% of salary
- PASS (Social Security ceiling) €48,060/year in 2026
- Wealth tax on real estate over €1.3 million (IFI)
Italy
- Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%
- Regional tax (1.23%-3.33%) and municipal tax (0%-0.9%) on top of national tax
- Social security contribution around 9.19% for employees
- Mandatory 13th month salary (Tredicesima)
- TFR severance fund accrual of ~6.91% per year
- Flat tax regime available for new residents (Impatriati regime)
Best Cities to Work in France and Italy
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
France
Italy
How to Find Jobs in France vs Italy
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
France
Primary platforms for professional roles. Indeed France has extensive French and international listings.
Popular French platform focused on startups and tech companies with company culture insights.
French Tech Visa Companies
Startups with French Tech Visa label can fast-track hiring of international talent.
Italy
Work Visa Options: France vs Italy
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
France Work Visas
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
Multi-year visa for highly skilled workers, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
French Tech Visa
Fast-track visa for employees of French Tech-labeled startups.
EU Blue Card France
For highly qualified workers meeting EU-wide standards.
Temporary Worker Visa (Salarié)
For workers with job offers not meeting Talent Passport requirements.
Italy Work Visas
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree or equivalent experience.
Work Visa (Nulla Osta)
Standard work permit for non-EU nationals with a job offer.
Self-Employment Visa
For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals.
Digital Nomad Visa
New visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies (from 2024).
Frequently Asked Questions: France vs Italy
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in France vs Italy?
The average salary in France is 42 800 € per year, while in Italy it is 33.000 € per year. This represents a 29.7% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: France or Italy?
France offers 25 days minimum (5 weeks) annual leave and 11 public holidays with a 35 hours (legal limit) work week. Italy offers 20-26 days (varies by contract) annual leave and 12 public holidays with a 40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between France and Italy?
In France, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 28 days at 100% salary. In Italy, maternity leave is 5 months at 80% salary and paternity leave is 10 days at 100% salary.
Is it better to work in France or Italy as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. France offers: 35-Hour Work Week, Strong Labor Protections. Italy offers: Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between France and Italy?
France: Progressive tax system from 0% to 45%. Italy: Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in France or Italy
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
