Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, with students spending an average of €1,200–€1,600 (INR 1.23L–1.64L) monthly and families budgeting around €3,800–€4,500 (INR 3.90L–4.62L). Rent, groceries, transport, and healthcare contribute significantly to the overall cost. Essentials like a meal at a mid-range restaurant cost €25 (INR 2.56K), and a monthly metro pass is €84.10 (INR 8.63K).
In this guide, you'll read more about average monthly and annual costs, city-wise expense breakdowns, rent, food, transport, utilities, healthcare, entertainment, comparisons with other cities, and budgeting tips.
Average Cost of Living in Paris (Monthly & Annual)
The average cost of living in Paris is among the highest in Europe. A single person spends around €1,035.60 (INR 1.06L) monthly, excluding rent. For a family of four, the monthly cost is approximately €3,709.20 (INR 3.81L).
When rent is included, the cost of living in Paris for students ranges between €1,400–€1,600 (INR 1.44L–1.64L) per month. For Indian students, budgeting is crucial as visa requirements demand proof of financial sustainability.
Here are the average costs:
Category
Monthly Cost
Annual Cost
Single Person (Excl. Rent)
€1,035.60 (INR 1.06L)
€12,427.20 (INR 12.76L)
Family of Four (Excl. Rent)
€3,709.20 (INR 3.81L)
€44,510.40 (INR 45.71L)
Student Budget (Incl. Rent)
€1,400–€1,600 (INR 1.44L–1.64L)
€16,800–€19,200 (INR 17.25L–19.71L)
Working Professional (Incl. Rent)
€1,600–€1,800 (INR 1.64L–1.85L)
€19,200–€21,600 (INR 19.71L–22.17L)
Family of Four (Incl. Rent)
€4,200–€4,800 (INR 4.31L–4.93L)
€50,400–€57,600 (INR 51.76L–59.37L)
Note: The cost of living in Paris for Indian students can be optimized by choosing shared accommodation, using student discounts, and applying for housing aid (CAF).
The cost of living in Paris is heavily influenced by the district you choose to live in. Central districts like the 1st to 7th arrondissements offer proximity to landmarks and luxury living, but at a steep price. Student-friendly zones such as the 13th, 14th, and 18th arrondissements strike a balance between affordability and accessibility.
Suburban areas like Ivry-sur-Seine and Saint-Denis are ideal for budget-conscious families and international students.
Rent is the biggest variable across districts. For example, a 1-bedroom apartment in central Paris costs around €1,400.31 (INR 1.44L), while the same outside the centre is €1,039.57 (INR 1.07L).
Here is the comparison:
District
Avg Rent (1BHK)
Suitability
Central Paris (1st–7th Arr.)
€1,400–€1,600 (INR 1.44L–1.64L)
Premium lifestyle, ideal for professionals
Student Zones (13th, 14th, 18th)
€1,000–€1,200 (INR 1.03L–1.23L)
Affordable, well-connected for students
Suburbs (Ivry-sur-Seine, Saint-Denis)
€800–€1,000 (INR 82K–1.03L)
Budget-friendly, suitable for families and Indian students
Choosing the right district can reduce your overall cost of living in Paris France by up to 30%, especially when factoring in rent and transport.
Paris offers a vibrant lifestyle, but understanding the cost of living in Paris France helps students and families plan better. From rent and groceries to transport and leisure, each expense adds up quickly, especially for Indian students converting euros to INR.
Below is a breakdown of essential monthly expenses in Paris, giving a realistic picture of how much you’ll spend:
Accommodation Costs
Housing is the largest component of the cost of living in Paris. Rent consumes 30–40% of a monthly budget.
1-bedroom apartment in city centre: €1,400.31 (INR 1.44L)
1-bedroom outside city centre: €1,039.57 (INR 1.07L)
3-bedroom apartment in city centre: €3,003.70 (INR 3.08L)
3-bedroom outside city centre: €2,037.50 (INR 2.09L)
Rent in Paris is significantly higher than in most Indian cities, making shared housing a popular choice among students.
Food and Groceries
Grocery prices vary slightly by district. For a single person, monthly food costs typically range between €250–€350 (INR 26K–36K).
Here’s a quick look at common grocery items:
Milk (1L): €1.35 (INR 138)
Bread (500g): €1.63 (INR 167)
Chicken (1kg): €5.82 (INR 597)
Eggs (12 pcs): €4.58 (INR 470)
Rice (1kg): €1.18 (INR 121)
Dining out is pricier.
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €15 (INR 1.54K)
Mid-range dinner for two: €60 (INR 6.16K)
Transportation Costs
Public transport in Paris is efficient and widely used.
Monthly pass: €88.80 (INR 9.11K)
One-way ticket: €2.50 (INR 257)
Taxi fare (1 km): €2.74 (INR 281)
Petrol (1L): €1.83 (INR 188)
Students can reduce costs using Navigo passes and cycling options.
Energy-efficient appliances and shared plans help lower bills.
Healthcare and Insurance
International students must have health coverage.
Student insurance: €30–€50 (INR 3.08K–5.13K)
Doctor visit: €25–€40 (INR 2.56K–4.10K)
France offers excellent healthcare, but insurance is mandatory for visa compliance.
Entertainment and Miscellaneous Expenses
Leisure costs vary by lifestyle. On average:
Gym membership: €37.71 (INR 3.87K)
Movie ticket: €14 (INR 1.44K)
Weekend outing or short trip: €150–€200 (INR 15.39K–20.52K)
Budgeting for leisure ensures a balanced lifestyle while studying or working in Paris.
Cost of Living Comparison: Paris vs Other Cities
Paris is expensive, but how does it compare to other major cities like London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and New York? According to Numbeo, London’s cost of living is 11.6% higher than Paris (excluding rent), and 27.2% higher when rent is included. Rent in London is 62.3% higher, while groceries are slightly cheaper.
Compared to Berlin, Paris is 11.5% more expensive overall, with rent prices 21% higher. Amsterdam is even costlier, with Paris being 15% cheaper including rent. New York, however, tops the list, 58.4% more expensive than Paris when rent is included.
Here is the comparison table:
City
Avg Monthly Cost
(Incl. Rent)
Avg Monthly Rent
(1BHK City Centre)
Paris
€1,600 (INR 1.64L)
€1,400 (INR 1.44L)
London
€2,200 (INR 2.26L)
€2,650 (INR 2.72L)
Berlin
€1,300 (INR 1.33L)
€1,157 (INR 1.19L)
Amsterdam
€1,900 (INR 1.95L)
€1,987 (INR 2.04L)
New York
€2,800 (INR 2.88L)
€3,459 (INR 3.55L)
While the average cost of living in Paris is high, it remains a more balanced choice for Indian students compared to London or New York, especially when factoring in rent and transport.
Budget Planning Tips for Students in Paris
Managing the cost of living in Paris for Indian students requires smart budgeting and strategic choices. From housing and transport to food and leisure, every euro saved makes a difference. Paris offers several student-friendly options that can help reduce monthly expenses without compromising on quality of life.
Here are the best tips:
Choose university housing or shared flats:
Student residences cost around €850–€1,200 (INR 87K–1.23L), while shared flats can be as low as €600 (INR 61K).
Apply for CAF housing aid:
Eligible students can receive monthly rent subsidies from the French government, reducing accommodation costs by €100–€200 (INR 10K–20K).
Use the Navigo student pass:
Unlimited travel across metro, bus, and tram for €38 (INR 3.90K) per month.
Museums, cinemas, and cultural events often offer reduced entry fees. A movie ticket costs €14 (INR 1.44K), but student rates can be lower.
Use free public resources:
Libraries, parks, and university events offer entertainment and learning opportunities at no cost.
Track expenses using budgeting apps:
Apps like Tricount or Bankin’ help students monitor spending and split bills with roommates.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Paris in 2025 remains high, but manageable with smart planning. From rent and groceries to transport and healthcare, every euro counts, especially for Indian students converting expenses to INR. On average, students spend €1,400–€1,600 (INR 1.44L–1.64L) monthly, while families may need €4,200–€4,800 (INR 4.31L–4.93L).
Choosing the right district, using student discounts, and applying for housing aid can significantly reduce the cost of living in Paris for Indian students. Compared to cities like London and New York, Paris offers a balanced lifestyle with access to world-class education and culture.
Understanding the average cost of living in Paris helps students and families prepare financially and enjoy their time in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Why is Paris considered one of the most expensive cities in Europe?
Paris ranks among the top 10 most expensive cities globally due to high housing costs, premium dining, and cultural spending. Rent in central districts can exceed €1,400 (INR 1.44L) monthly. Despite affordable groceries and transport, the overall cost of living in Paris remains significantly above the European average.
How much financial proof is required for Indian students applying to French universities?
Indian students must show proof of funds covering at least €615 (INR 63K) per month, totaling €7,380 (INR 7.57L) annually. This ensures they can manage the cost of living in Paris for Indian students, including rent, food, and transport, as per French visa regulations.
Which Paris districts offer affordable housing for students?
Student-friendly districts include the 13th, 14th, and 18th arrondissements, offering shared flats and studios between €850–€1,200 (INR 87K–1.23L). These areas balance affordability and accessibility, making them ideal for students managing the cost of living in Paris France on a budget.
Which areas in Paris are cheapest for international students to live?
The 19th, 20th, and parts of the 18th arrondissement offer the cheapest housing options for international students. Rent here starts around €800 (INR 82K), and these districts are well-connected by metro, making them ideal for reducing the overall cost of living in Paris.
Can international students legally work part-time in Paris?
Yes, international students can work up to 964 hours annually (approx. 20 hours/week) without a separate permit. This helps offset the cost of living in Paris for Indian students. Jobs must not interfere with academic schedules and are subject to French labor laws.
What is the minimum wage for student jobs in Paris?
As of 2025, the minimum wage in France is €11.65/hour (INR 1.20K). After deductions, students earn around €9.22/hour (INR 946). Working 10 hours weekly can earn students approx. €92 (INR 9.44K), helping cover part of their monthly cost of living in Paris.
What types of part-time jobs are common for students in Paris?
Students in Paris often work in cafés, retail stores, babysitting, tutoring, and university support roles. English-speaking students find opportunities in language teaching and hospitality. These jobs offer flexible hours and help manage the cost of living in Paris for students.
How do Indian students manage expenses while studying in Paris?
Indian students manage costs by sharing accommodation, cooking at home, using student discounts, and applying for CAF housing aid. Budgeting apps and part-time jobs also help. These strategies significantly reduce the cost of living in Paris for Indian students.
Is it cheaper to live near Paris universities or commute from suburbs?
Living near universities offers convenience but costs more, rent can exceed €1,400 (INR 1.44L). Suburban areas like Ivry-sur-Seine offer cheaper rent around €800–€1,000 (INR 82K–1.03L). With Paris’s efficient transport, commuting is a cost-effective option for students.
What hidden costs should students be aware of in Paris?
Hidden costs include visa renewal fees, security deposits, insurance premiums, and cultural expenses like museum entries. Students should also budget for seasonal clothing, printing, and occasional administrative charges. These can impact the overall cost of living in Paris for students.
Do French scholarships cover living expenses for Indian students?
Some French scholarships, like Eiffel Excellence, offer monthly stipends covering living costs. However, most scholarships focus on tuition. Indian students should check eligibility and apply early to reduce their cost of living in Paris France through financial aid.
Are living costs in Paris expected to rise further in 2025?
Yes, living costs in Paris are projected to rise due to inflation and increased housing demand. Rent, utilities, and food prices may see a 3–5% hike. Students should plan ahead and explore subsidies to manage the rising cost of living in Paris.
Ireland( study abroad expert) |54 articles published
Honey Gupta is a leading consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping students navigate the complexities of studying overseas, with a specialized focus on Ireland. Honey brings a wealth of a...
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