Compare countries · France vs United Kingdom
France vs United Kingdom
France(Europe)·
United Kingdom(Europe)
Across 13 comparable indicators: France leads on 4, United Kingdom on 5, 4 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
France
67.7
Worse than 85% of countries
United Kingdom
67.8
Worse than 86% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
France
22.3
Worse than 76% of countries
United Kingdom
32.1
Worse than 90% of countries
France: 31% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
France
1.89
Better than 63% of countries
United Kingdom
1.67
Better than 79% of countries
United Kingdom: more peaceful (1.67 vs 1.89).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
France
44.2
Worse than 77% of countries
United Kingdom
51.7
Worse than 59% of countries
United Kingdom: higher perceived safety (51.7 vs 44.2).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
France
0.910
Better than 86% of countries
United Kingdom
0.940
Better than 93% of countries
United Kingdom: higher human development (0.940 vs 0.910).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
France
$63,975
Better than 85% of countries
United Kingdom
$64,606
Better than 86% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
France
83.0 yrs
Better than 89% of countries
United Kingdom
81.4 yrs
Better than 81% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
France
77.0
Better than 89% of countries
United Kingdom
72.7
Better than 80% of countries
France: better-rated healthcare (77.0 vs 72.7).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
France
350 Mbps
Better than 98% of countries
United Kingdom
167 Mbps
Better than 73% of countries
France: 109% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
France
77/100
Better than 86% of countries
United Kingdom
80/100
Better than 90% of countries
United Kingdom: freer press (80 vs 77 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
France
6.59
Better than 76% of countries
United Kingdom
6.69
Better than 81% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
France
539
Better than 65% of countries
United Kingdom
700
Better than 94% of countries
United Kingdom: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 539).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
France
89.6
Better than 73% of countries
United Kingdom
87.8
Better than 69% of countries
France: more pleasant climate rating (89.6 vs 87.8).
Deciding between France and United Kingdom for real?
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Find your match →Full France profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United Kingdom profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.