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Has well-being become a luxury for the French?

Societal impactSofinco
Publication date 19.06.2026

Taking care of one’s mental and physical health is now a priority. But this ambition runs up against an economic reality: not everyone in France has the same means to achieve it.

A priority now firmly established

Well-being has become a central concern. Nearly 79% of French people believe that mental health should be a priority, and the vast majority have already incorporated at least one practice into their daily lives.

This shift marks a turning point: people in France are no longer passively enduring their balance—they are actively trying to preserve it.

A budget that falls short of expectations

In practice, the resources devoted to well-being remain limited. On average, people in France spend €58 per month, while estimating that they would need €95 to meet their needs.

This €37 gap reflects a concrete reality: well-being has become a discretionary expense, subject to overall budget constraints.

Cost: the main barrier

This gap has direct consequences. A majority of people in France must make trade-offs in their practices.

  • 61% give up certain activities due to lack of financial means
  • 22% identify cost as the main barrier

The issue is therefore not a lack of interest in well-being, but the ability to fully access it.

Significant inequalities between groups

Budget differences highlight major disparities in access. Lower-income households spend around €45 per month on well-being, compared with over €100 for higher-income groups.

Beyond the amounts, these differences shape the types of practices available—from simple solutions to more structured support.

Well-being: a necessity… but under constraint

Well-being has not strictly become a luxury. It remains a widely shared priority. However, it is increasingly perceived as such in certain situations, especially when resources are limited.

In practical terms, this means:

  • well-being spending is often adjusted to fit the budget
  • some practices are postponed or abandoned
  • access varies significantly depending on individual circumstances

Key takeaways

Well-being is a priority for people in France, but access remains constrained:

  • 79% consider mental health a major issue
  • €58 is spent on average each month, compared with an estimated need of €95
  • 61% give up certain practices due to lack of means
  • 22% see cost as the main obstacle

Discover the study :

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