Fabien Roussel, a candidate for France’s 2027 presidential election, recently highlighted the rising cost of living by citing a 20% increase in rents over the past five years. He used this figure to emphasize the financial strain faced by many French citizens, particularly in the context of rising energy prices. However, this 20% figure does not match the national averages reported by official statistics. According to the Reference Rent Index (IRL), which tracks average rent changes nationwide, rents have increased by 13.6% over the same period. Another index, the Housing Rent Index (ILH), shows a more modest increase of 9.2% for main residences rented out in France. These official figures do not include furnished rentals or additional costs like energy bills, which have also risen significantly in recent years. Roussel’s claim reflects a broader concern about housing affordability, as many people are struggling to cover both rent and energy expenses. While the 20% increase he cited does not represent the overall national trend, it is important to note that certain cities and specific housing categories have experienced rent hikes close to or even exceeding 20%. For example, in the Paris metropolitan area, rents have risen by around 8.9% over four years. However, SeLoger, a popular online real estate platform, reports a more substantial increase of 17.3% in Parisian rents between 2020 and 2026. Meanwhile, the Paris Urban Planning Workshop (Apur) notes that rent control measures have led to a 5% reduction in average rents in the capital. However, half of the rental listings in Paris exceed the legally set rent ceiling. In other French cities, such as Angers and Tours, median rents have increased significantly—by 36% and 28.5%, respectively, over seven years. According to Bien'Ici, a real estate listings platform, rent increases have been observed in all cities analyzed since 2019. These increases are especially pronounced in areas with tight housing markets and for small apartments, where demand often outstrips supply. The rent cap, which limited annual rent increases to 3.5% in metropolitan France between 2022 and early 2024, has played a role in shaping the overall trend. However, this cap has also constrained the growth of the IRL, which otherwise might have reflected a higher rate of increase. Consumer prices in France have risen by approximately 16.5% over the same period, highlighting the broader inflationary pressures affecting households. While rent control has helped moderate rent increases in some areas, it has not fully addressed the challenges faced by renters in high-demand regions. The disparity between Roussel’s claim and official statistics underscores the complexity of housing costs and the varying experiences of individuals across different parts of the country.