Where you live in France decides your daily life, budget, and how quickly you settle—so how do you pick the right place?
Accommodation in France offers plenty of choices—university dormitories, private studios, shared flats. Students often look for affordable student accommodation options in France like dorm rooms or shared flats close to campus. Expats working in France lean towards furnished apartments for rent in France in expat-friendly neighborhoods in Paris or Lyon.
The average rent in Paris for students in 2025 stays higher compared to cities like Toulouse, Lyon, and Bordeaux.
This guide covers:
Real numbers on cost of living in France for international students
How to find student housing in France without last-minute stress
Monthly rent comparisons across Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Toulouse
Smart picks for affordable cities for students to live in France
Tips for renting an apartment in France without a guarantor
What you must know about deposit and rental contract rules in France
The right accommodation choice makes university or work life in France smoother from day one.
France continues to attract international students with its world-class universities, rich culture, and affordable study options.
As of December 2024, Paris remains the most expensive rental market in France, with Nice and Lyon trailing behind.
Types of Student Accommodation in France and Where to Find Them
Rent costs, commute times, and even how easily you settle into university life depend on the type of housing you pick. Accommodation in France for students ranges from affordable CROUS residences to private studios and shared apartments—but competition for good spots can be tough, especially in Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse.
Main Student Housing Options in France
When searching for student accommodation options in France, here’s what you’ll usually find:
Housing Type
Key Features
Average Monthly Rent
CROUS Residences (Public Dormitories)
Subsidized, close to universities, basic private or shared rooms
€150–€450 (₹13,500–₹41,000)
Private Studio Apartments
Independent living, own kitchen, higher monthly rent
€500–€900 (₹45,000–₹82,000)
Shared Flats (Colocations)
Private room in a shared apartment, lower rent, social setting
€300–€700 (₹27,000–₹64,000)
CROUS housing in France offers low-cost living but fills up early—especially in Paris.
Renting a studio apartment in Paris for students works best if you prefer privacy and can stretch your budget.
Shared apartments are popular with international students who want to save money and meet new people.
Best Cities for Student Housing in France
Every city in France offers a different balance between rent, commute times, and campus life.
Here’s where international students often settle:
Paris: Top global universities, vibrant life, steep rents.
Lyon: Cheaper rent than Paris, strong student community, rich cultural life.
Toulouse: Known for aerospace and tech, affordable housing for students.
Bordeaux: Friendly city for students, walkable streets, better rent balance.
Best cities to live in France for students like Toulouse and Bordeaux offer a better rent-to-lifestyle balance than Paris.
Typical Rent Costs for Students in France
City
Average Student Rent (Monthly)
Paris
€800–€1,200 (₹73,000–₹1.1 lakh)
Lyon
€500–€900 (₹45,000–₹82,000)
Toulouse
€400–€700 (₹36,000–₹64,000)
Bordeaux
€450–€800 (₹41,000–₹73,000)
Monthly rent in Paris for students continues to be the highest across France.
Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Lyon are popular choices for a better rent-to-quality balance.
University Housing vs Private Rentals in France
Picking between CROUS dormitories and private rentals decides how much freedom and responsibility you have daily.
Factor
CROUS Dormitories
Private Rentals
Rent
Lower, government-subsidized
Higher, market rates
Lease Flexibility
Less flexible, tied to academic calendar
More flexible leases, year-round options
Privacy
Shared facilities or small private units
Full control over space and daily life
Many first-year students start with CROUS housing and later shift to private flats for better privacy and independence.
Where to Search for Student Housing in France
If you want to find affordable student housing in France without stress, start early using verified platforms:
CROUS portals (for public university dorms)
Lokaviz (government-approved student rentals)
Studapart (private apartments near universities)
Adele.org (student residences across France)
La Carte des Colocs (for shared flats)
How to find student housing in France becomes easier when you rely on trusted student-focused sites that verify listings.
Early Booking and CROUS Application Tips in France
Booking early helps you beat the rush—especially in big university cities:
Apply for CROUS housing at least 5–6 months before your semester begins.
Prepare essential documents: university admission letter, proof of income, ID, and housing insurance papers.
Keep 2–3 backup options ready. Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux fill up fastest.
Temporary housing options for newcomers in France (like Airbnb or student hotels) help if you arrive before your lease starts.
Moving to France housing guide tip: Students who apply early get better locations, lower rent, and less last-minute stress.
Best Places for Professionals to Find Accommodation in France
Looking for professional accommodation in France?
Rent moves quickly in top business hubs, especially around metro and tram lines. Accommodation in France for working professionals depends a lot on picking the right area, getting flexible lease terms, and controlling commute costs.
Starting early makes it easier to secure better locations without overspending.
Where Professionals Prefer to Live in France
City
Best Areas for Professionals
Why It Works
Paris
La Défense, 16th Arrondissement, Boulogne-Billancourt
Close to offices, strong metro access
Lyon
Part-Dieu, Brotteaux, Monplaisir
Near business district, tram access, cheaper than Paris
Best cities to live in France for expats like Lyon and Nantes offer a more affordable cost of living than Paris without giving up work opportunities.
Rental Types Professionals Usually Pick in France
Rental Type
Typical Tenant
Average Monthly Rent
Furnished Studio
Solo expats, new arrivals
€700–€1,000 (₹63,000–₹91,000)
1BHK Apartment
Professionals needing more space
€900–€1,500 (₹82,000–₹1.36 lakh)
Coliving Spaces
Young professionals, short assignments
€500–€900 (₹45,000–₹82,000)
Furnished apartments for rent in France allow professionals to move in quickly without high setup costs.
Coliving spaces work better for newcomers who want flexibility, networking, and lower rent.
Lease Options for Expats and Professionals in France
Lease Type
Best For
Key Details
Bail Mobilité
Expats staying 1–10 months
No guarantor needed, furnished, short-term
Standard Lease (Bail Classique)
Long-term stays (3 years)
Strong income proof required, notice periods apply
Renting an apartment in France without a guarantor becomes easier under the Bail Mobilité lease.
Standard leases expect a steady income source, sometimes with a French bank account.
Why Transport Matters for Professionals in France
Rent is only part of your cost—your commute adds up, so prefer using public transport:
City
Transport Zones to Target
Commuting Tip
Paris
Metro Lines 1, 4, RER A
Keep commute under 30 minutes to city hubs
Lyon
Tram T1, Metro Line B
Stay within 2 tram stops of Part-Dieu for best rent-value
Marseille
Metro Line 1, Tram T2
Live near direct lines into Old Port and business areas
Nantes
Tram T1, T2, T3
Choose apartments within walking distance of tram stops
Moving to France housing guide tip: Apartments within a 10-minute walk of metro or tram stations offer better daily savings and faster commutes—even if the monthly rent is slightly higher.
Family Accommodation in France: Costs, Cities, and Options
Looking for family-friendly accommodation in France?
Families planning to move to France need to balance rent, space, schools, and transport carefully. Accommodation in France for families stretches from spacious city apartments to quieter suburban homes—but rent, school access, and daily living costs change sharply across cities like Rennes, Bordeaux, and Lyon.
Family-Friendly Rental Types in France
Rental Type
Why Families Choose It
Average Monthly Rent
2–3 Bedroom Apartments
Close to schools, better security, urban living
€1,200–€2,000 (₹1.09 lakh–₹1.82 lakh)
Townhouses (Maisons de Ville)
Private garden, quiet, suburban feel
€1,500–€2,500 (₹1.36 lakh–₹2.27 lakh)
Detached Suburban Homes
Maximum space, playgrounds nearby
€1,800–€3,000 (₹1.63 lakh–₹2.73 lakh)
Families renting a townhouse or suburban home in France usually find more space and easier access to parks compared to city-center apartments. Furnished apartments for rent in France also help new expats move quickly without upfront setup costs.
Best Cities and Areas for Families in France
Wondering where to find the best cities for families in France?
Many expat families pick suburbs with top international schools, public transport, and walkable parks.
City
Best Family Areas
Highlights
Rennes
Saint-Grégoire, Cesson-Sévigné
Excellent schools, walkable suburbs
Lyon
Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, Caluire-et-Cuire
Safe areas, bilingual schools, parks
Bordeaux
Mérignac, Pessac
Suburban homes, strong public transport, green spaces
Best places to live in France for expats 2025 like Rennes suburbs offer lower living costs, shorter school commutes, and higher safety ratings compared to Paris.
Access to Schools, Hospitals, and Parks in France
Good family accommodation in France should focus on three essentials:
Facility
What to Look For
International Schools
Many offer English/French bilingual programs; Lyon and Bordeaux have strong options.
Healthcare Access
Public hospitals are reliable; private clinics near suburban hubs are common.
Parks and Recreation
Areas like Nantes, Rennes, and suburbs around Lyon offer large public parks and playgrounds.
Always check proximity to schools and clinics when house-hunting—it saves daily stress later.
Wondering how France stacks up against the USA? Here's a full France vs USA comparison for students.
What Affects Family Housing Costs in France
Family accommodation costs depend on a few practical factors. Here's what shapes the rent when you move to France:
Factor
What to Check Before Renting
Location
Suburbs near good schools and metro stations rent quicker and cost more.
Size
Larger apartments (2–3 bedrooms) and homes with gardens often have higher monthly rents.
Amenities
Secure entrances, lifts, private parking, and playgrounds add to rent but improve daily life.
Furnishing
Fully furnished units cost slightly more but save upfront expenses on buying furniture.
Public Transport Access
Apartments within a 10-minute walk to a metro, tram, or bus line are more convenient and usually rent faster.
Families usually balance rent and quality by picking safe suburbs with schools, groceries, healthcare, and metro access within a short distance—even if it means a 10–20 minute longer commute.
Neighborhood Safety and Lifestyle in France
Safety and local lifestyle matter just as much as rent prices:
Rennes, Bordeaux, and Lyon suburbs consistently rank among the safest cities for families moving to France.
Areas with walkable parks, bike paths, libraries, and grocery stores offer the best quality of life for families.
Choosing suburbs with strong public transport cuts the need for a car, saving hundreds of euros annually.
Affordable cities for students and families in France often give better outdoor space, safety, and quieter neighborhoods compared to big city centers like Paris.
Tips for Renting Accommodation in France Without Mistakes
Whether you're looking at student accommodation options in France or private apartments for work, being aware of the common rental mistakes saves money and stress.
Do’s and Don’ts for Renting Accommodation in France
Do’s
Why It Matters
Use trusted platforms like SeLoger, PAP, Lokaviz
Reduces scams and secures legal rentals
Check rental contracts before paying
Protects you under French housing laws
Visit or request verified video tours
Avoids misleading listings
Confirm agency fees and what "charges incluses" cover
Clarifies total monthly costs
Ask if utilities are included
Controls your actual living expenses
Don’ts
Why It Matters
Don’t pay deposits without a signed lease
No lease = no legal protection
Don’t skip checking transport, shops, and safety in the neighborhood
Daily life depends on more than rent price
Don’t assume furnished means everything included
Always ask for an inventory list
Moving to France housing guide tip: Always do an "état des lieux" (property inspection) before move-in to protect your deposit.
How upGrad Abroad Supports Students Planning to Study in France
Moving for university? upGrad Abroad simplifies your search for student accommodation options in France and prepares you for every housing detail:
Personal Counseling: Shortlist universities, cities, and housing plans customized for your goals.
Student Housing Guides: Learn how to find student housing in France using verified portals like Lokaviz and Studapart.
Visa Support: Understand how your proof of accommodation in France impacts visa approval.
City and Rent Insights: Compare average rent in Paris for students 2025 vs affordable cities like Toulouse and Lyon.
Pre-Departure Help: Access checklists for deposits, rental insurance, and lease contract rules in France.
Book a free upGrad Abroad counseling session to plan your move smarter.
Book a free counseling session to get expert advice tailored to your academic and living plans.
You can also explore free short courses to boost your application profile while you prepare.
Is Accommodation in France Affordable for Students and Expats?
Your living costs in France depend on the city, housing type, and how early you book.
Pros
Public transport is affordable across cities, cutting daily travel costs.
Many students qualify for government housing aid (CAF subsidies).
Vibrant student life offers discounts on transport, groceries, and activities.
Points to Plan For
Paris remains expensive. Average rent in Paris for students 2025 often crosses €1,000 (₹91,000) monthly.
Paperwork around deposit and rental contract rules in France takes time if you're unfamiliar with French leases.
Final Verdict
Accommodation in France fits different budgets if you research early and pick smart locations. Students renting in affordable cities to live in France like Toulouse, Lyon, and Bordeaux manage better budgets than those in Paris.
Expats also find furnished apartments for rent in France or temporary housing options easily if they stay close to metro and business hubs.
Plan early, compare cities, and stay flexible—you’ll settle faster without stretching your budget.
FAQs About Accommodation in France
What is the average rent for student accommodation in France?
The average rent for student accommodation in France ranges from €400 to €900 (₹36,000–₹82,000) monthly, depending on the city. Average rent in Paris for students 2025 is closer to €800–€1,200 (₹73,000–₹1.1 lakh).
How do international students find accommodation in France?
International students usually find student accommodation options in France through CROUS applications, university housing boards, or verified rental platforms like Lokaviz, Studapart, and Adele.org.
Which French city offers the cheapest accommodation for students?
Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Lyon are among the best cities to live in France for students who want lower rent and affordable daily living compared to Paris.
Is accommodation in France expensive for working professionals?
Accommodation in France for working professionals depends on location. Paris and Lyon have higher rents, but expat-friendly neighborhoods in Nantes, Marseille, and Bordeaux offer more affordable furnished apartments.
What documents are needed to rent an apartment in France?
Students and expats renting an apartment in France must prepare:
Passport or French ID
University admission letter or work contract
Bank account details
Proof of financial resources (3x monthly rent)
Some landlords require a guarantor or "bail mobilité" lease for shorter stays.
Can students apply for CROUS accommodation in France?
Yes. Students can apply for CROUS residences if they study at a recognized French university. Early applications are critical because spaces fill up quickly, especially in cities like Paris and Lyon.
How much is the security deposit for rentals in France?
The security deposit is typically one month's rent for unfurnished apartments and two months for furnished rentals. Always review the deposit and rental contract rules in France carefully before signing.
What is the best website to find accommodation in France?
Top websites include CROUS portals for public dorms, Lokaviz for verified student rentals, Studapart for private options, and SeLoger for broader city-wide apartments.
How early should students book housing in France?
Students should start searching 5–6 months before classes begin. Early booking is crucial in student cities like Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and Bordeaux where demand stays high.
Are short-term rentals available for students in France?
Yes, short-term accommodation options are available through CROUS, Studapart, and coliving spaces. These are ideal for students staying for a semester or exchange program.
Which cities are most family-friendly for accommodation in France?
Family-friendly cities include Rennes, Lyon, and Bordeaux suburbs like Pessac and Saint-Grégoire, known for international schools, parks, and safe neighborhoods.
Does rent in France usually include utilities?
In many listings, utilities ("charges incluses") are included in the rent. Always ask if heating, water, and internet are part of the package, especially in furnished apartments for rent in France.
What hidden costs should expats watch out for when renting in France?
Expats should budget for:
Agency fees (if using an agent)
Mandatory renter’s insurance
Electricity, internet, and gas bills
Annual property taxes for furnished rentals (in some cases)
These extra costs affect the cost of living in France for international students and expats alike.
How accessible is public transport from accommodation in France?
Public transport like metros, trams, and buses is easily accessible from most university housing and private rentals in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux.
Is it easy to find furnished apartments for students in France?
Yes. Many furnished apartments for rent in France target students and expats. However, rents for furnished units are usually 10–20% higher than unfurnished options.
