We are planning of moving to France, and would like to have an idea of costs. We are not moving furniture, ...

As you say you need recommendations for a place, it sounds like you do not have a job lined up. Do you know that you cannot just"move' to France ( or any other country)? You need a work visa and in order to get a work visa, you must first have an employer. Where you find a job, determines where you live. Getting a work visa in any European country is nearly impossible for an American, as all other Europeans are ahead of Americans. You can see the site below to research work visas...I believe you will find there is no such thng as a general work visa that allows you to move there and then find a job. You must have an employer-sponsor.