This research investigates the cost-effectiveness of energy performance measures in French residential buildings. We develop an empirical approach based on a multivariate statistical approach and Cost-Benefit analysis. The strength of this research relies on the designing of a large cross-sectional database collected in 2013 including rich technical information of about 1,400 dwellings representative of the French residential sector as well as individual recommendations relative to the energy renovations to be implemented, their investment costs, and energy savings potential. We provide valuable information on the cost-effectiveness of energy renovation measures for the entire housing stock. Results show that low-temperature and condensing boilers, as well as floor insulation, are the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures, which could be inconsistent with actual subsidy policies. We demonstrate that the cost-effectiveness of energy renovation measures is widely dependent on dwelling initial characteristics and the value of the inputs used in the economic indicators such as energy-savings amount, energy price, and the discount rate. Moreover, we provide a classification of French dwellings, which may help policymakers, better identify their target. Finally, we show that the renovation of the entire French residential dwelling stock can lead to a great amount of energy–and CO2–reductions but requires significant financial capacity. •We examine the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency renovation measures.•We develop a cost-benefit and simulation approach based on a rich data set.•We provide key insights on the profitability of the energy renovation measures.•Low temperature and condensing boilers appear to be the most cost-effective measures.•The renovation of the entire housing stock may lead to a significant CO2 reduction.