Back-to-school: a surprising drop in the price of school supplies
Good news for French families ahead of the 2026 school year: the average cost of school supplies has fallen, according to a survey by Familles de France.
- 🎒 For a student entering 6th grade, the average basket costs €180.80, compared with €211.10 in 2025 — a 14.4% decrease.
- 📉 The decline is mainly linked to lower prices for sports equipment, while items such as notebooks and pens remained relatively stable.
- 🛒 However, another survey by UFC-Que Choisir found an average 2% increase in supermarket prices, showing that costs vary depending on the store, products and promotions.
- 💡 Store-brand products are generally cheaper than major brands, with an average price difference of around 40%.
Bottom line: The overall school-supplies basket is cheaper this year, but families may still face different costs depending on what they buy and where they shop.
