How Much Does a Housekeeper Cost in France in 2026?
What a housekeeper really costs in France in 2026, contributions included — and why the 50% tax credit changes everything.
Quick answer: the sticker price isn't the real price. On top of the wage sit employer contributions (~47% of gross, minus €2/hour), but the 50% tax credit brings the outlay down to about half. For part-time work at the SMIC, the real cost is often modest.
In France, understanding what a housekeeper costs means separating three figures: the wage, the total employer cost, and the real cost after the tax credit.
Wage and contributions
Budget at least the SMIC (€12.31 gross/h, ~€9.74 net) or the collective minimum (€12.24 gross). On top sit employer contributions (~47% of gross), reduced by a flat €2/hour deduction. So the total employer cost is around 1.8× the net wage… before the tax credit.
The 50% tax credit
You recover half of your costs (wage + contributions), capped at €12,000 a year (up to €6,000 back; a higher cap applies for disability). With the immediate advance via CESU+, the reduction applies in real time. The result: your real cost is close to half the total.
Estimate your cost
The calculator converts net, gross, total employer cost and real cost after the tax credit based on your hours.
What moves the bill
- The number of hours and how regular they are.
- The tasks (ironing, cooking, childcare) and the level.
- The city — rates run higher in Paris than the national average.
Official sources
Conclusion
The figure that matters is the real cost after the tax credit — often close to half the sticker. Use the calculator with your hours for a number that fits your household.
See also
- The salary guide — SMIC, collective minimum, net and gross.
- How many hours — to size the budget.
- Cost in Paris — the capital's rates.
FAQ
What is the real cost after the tax credit?
About half the total employer cost: you recover 50% of your spending (wage + contributions), capped at €12,000/year, so up to €6,000.
What is the €2/hour deduction?
A flat reduction of employer contributions of €2 per declared hour, applied automatically by URSSAF (outside specific exemptions).
Should I pay by the hour, day or month?
By the hour for one-off tasks or a few hours a week; a monthly salary when it's full-time. Choose based on the regular workload.
How often should I have cleaning done?
Weekly is the most common; every two weeks or monthly for a small home, with a deep clean every few months.