Cost of Living in Paris: Complete Cost Breakdown

Did you know? As a student in Paris, you can get access to museums, concerts, and theaters at up to 50% discounts. Many iconic spots like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay offer free entry or reduced prices for students under 26.

Dreaming of studying in Paris? You’re not alone. Every year, over 300,000 international students choose France as their education destination, with nearly 10,000 Indian students joining the ranks. Paris, being the country’s academic and cultural heart, attracts a significant portion of this crowd. 

As of 2025, Paris ranks #7 in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living Index, making it one of the most expensive cities to study in France, even ahead of cities like Berlin and Barcelona. The average monthly cost of living in Paris ranges between €1,200 and €1,800 (INR 1L to INR 1.5L), depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

This blog will walk you through every major expense, affordable alternatives, and smart saving tips so you can plan your Parisian dream without financial stress.

An Overview of Cost of Living in Paris for Indian Students

For Indian students planning to study in Paris, monthly living expenses generally fall between €1,200 and €1,800 (INR 1.08 lakh – INR 1.62 lakh), indicating a higher cost of living in France. These expenses depend largely on lifestyle preferences, type of accommodation, and personal budgeting discipline.

Here’s a breakdown of Estimated Monthly Living Expenses: 

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (€)	Approximate Monthly Cost (INR )
Accommodation (Shared Apartment/Student Housing)	EUR 600 – EUR 900	INR 54K – INR 81K
Food & Groceries	EUR 250 – EUR 400	INR 22.5K – INR 36K
Transportation (Navigo Pass)	EUR 75 – EUR 100	INR 6.7K – INR 9K
Phone & Internet	EUR 30 – EUR 50	INR 2.7K – INR 4.5K
Entertainment & Leisure	EUR 100 – EUR 200	INR 9K – INR 18K
Miscellaneous Expenses	EUR 100 – EUR 150	INR 9K – INR 13.5K
Total Estimated Cost	EUR 1,155 - EUR 1,800	INR 98.6K - INR 1.5L

Note: All currency conversions are based on current exchange rates and may vary in the future

Indian students opting for private studios, eating out frequently, or engaging in regular social activities may require a higher budget of up to €1,800/month (INR 1.62 lakh).

Also Read: Cost of Studying Abroad for Indian Students in Rupees

Now, let’s explore the cost of studying in Paris for international students.

Cost of Studying in Paris for International Students

If you’re an international student, studying in France from India, the cost of studying in Paris will depend on the type of institution (public or private), the level of your study (masters or bachelors), and your specific program. 

Public universities in France keep tuition costs below INR 5 lakh per year, making them accessible for Indian students. Private institutions, especially business and engineering schools, often charge 3-4 times higher fees. 

Below is a detailed overview of average tuition fees in Paris by degree level, along with essential compulsory fees.

Program Type	Annual Tuition Fees (€/year)	Approximate Cost (INR /year)
Bachelor’s Degree	€2,770 – €10,000	INR 2.5 lakh – INR 9 lakh
Master’s Degree	€3,770 – €15,000	INR 3.4 lakh – INR 13.5 lakh
Vocational/Diploma	€2,500 – €8,000	INR 2.25 lakh – INR 7.2 lakh
Business & Specialized Schools	€10,000 – €25,000	INR 9 lakh – INR 22.5 lakh

Note: Public universities are far more affordable (below €5,000/year), whereas private institutions and Grandes Écoles can be significantly more expensive.

Apart from tuition-related costs, there are some additional compulsory expenses for International Students, such as health insurance, that you should keep in mind. Below are some additional expenses.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (€/year)	Approximate Cost (INR /year)
Student Services Fee (CVEC)	€90 – €250	INR 8.1K – INR 22.5K
Health Insurance (Sécurité Sociale)	€500 – €800	INR 45K – INR 72K
Student Visa Application Fee	€100 – €250	INR 9K – INR 22.5K
Residence Permit (Titre de Séjour)	€60 – €150	INR 5.4K – INR 13.5K

Note: All currency conversions are based on current exchange rates and may vary in the future

Also Read: Cost of Living in Europe: A Complete Guide

If you're looking for affordable options without compromising on education quality, several public universities in Paris offer budget-friendly programs tailored for international students. Let’s explore them in detail.

Cheapest Universities in Paris for Indian Students

For Indian students aspiring to study in Paris, public universities like Université Paris-Saclay provide high-quality education at as low as EUR 2,500 - EUR 5,000. These top universities benefit from French government subsidies, making them some of the most cost-effective options for international students.

The table below outlines the most affordable universities in Paris:

University	Annual Tuition Fees	Scholarships for Indian Students
Université Paris Cité	EUR 2,770 – EUR 4,000 (INR 2.5 lakh – INR 3.6 lakh)	Eiffel Exchange Scholarship Merit-based Financial Aid
Université Paris-Saclay	EUR 3,500 – EUR 5,000 (INR 3.15 lakh – INR 4.5 lakh)	Charpak Master’s Program Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
Université Sorbonne Paris Nord	EUR 2,800 – EUR 4,500 (INR 2.52 lakh – INR 4.05 lakh)	Erasmus Mundus Partner Institution Scholarships
Université Gustave Eiffel	EUR 2,800 – EUR 5,000 (INR 2.52 lakh – INR 4.5 lakh)	Eiffel Scholarship Institutional Financial Aid
Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis	EUR 2,770 – EUR 4,500 (INR 2.5 lakh – INR 4.05 lakh)	Cultural Exchange Grants Need-based Support Programs

Note: All currency conversions are based on current exchange rates and may vary in the future.

Indian students can study in France for free at these universities by taking advantage of scholarships such as the Eiffel Excellence, allowing them to earn a prestigious European degree while keeping costs low.

Also Read: France vs USA: Top Universities, Tuition Fees, Living Expenses

Beyond tuition fees, managing your day-to-day expenses will be a key part of your student life in Paris. Let’s understand the cost of living in Paris based on city areas.

Cost of Living in Paris: City List

The cost of living in Paris is higher than in 88% of cities across Western Europe. For a single person, the monthly expenses, including food, rent, and other miscellaneous costs, amount to approximately EUR 3,833.

To get a clearer picture of how different areas can impact your overall budget, you can use a cost of living calculator to compare living costs across Paris. 

Broadly, Paris can be categorized into high-cost (expensive), mid-range, and affordable, student-friendly areas. Let’s look at the details.

Top 8 Expensive Areas in Paris

Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Champs-Élysées are among Paris’ most expensive neighborhoods, with monthly rents between EUR 1,400 and EUR 2,500. These areas provide easy access to famous landmarks, vibrant cultural venues, and key universities to study in Paris, attracting residents despite the high costs.

Here’s a comparison of the top 8 areas with a high cost of living in Paris for students.

Area	Average Rent (€/month)	Approximate Rent (INR /month)
Le Marais	EUR 500 – EUR 2,200	INR 1.35 lakh –  INR 1.98 lakh
Saint-Germain-des-Prés	EUR 1,400 – EUR 2,000	INR 1.26 lakh –  INR 1.8 lakh
Latin Quarter	EUR 1,300 – EUR 1,900	INR 1.17 lakh –  INR 1.71 lakh
Champs-Élysées	EUR 1,800 – EUR 2,500	INR 1.62 lakh –  INR 2.25 lakh
Montparnasse	EUR 1,200 – EUR 1,800	INR 1.08 lakh –  INR 1.62 lakh
Opera	EUR 1,400 – EUR 2,100	INR 1.26 lakh –  INR 1.89 lakh
Bastille	EUR 1,200 – EUR 1,700	INR 1.08 lakh –  INR 1.53 lakh
Eiffel Tower (7th Arrondissement)	EUR 1,500 – EUR 2,200	INR 1.35 lakh –  INR 1.98 lakh

For students aiming to manage their budgets effectively, several suburbs and outer zones provide much more affordable living options. Let’s look at them in detail.

Top 8 Affordable Areas in Paris (Student-Friendly)

While upscale areas have rents exceeding EUR 2,500, suburban neighborhoods like Montreuil and Saint-Denis offer rents about 30% - 50% lower, ranging from EUR 600 to EUR 1,000. Living slightly outside the city center can result in monthly savings of EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 (INR 77.5K - INR 97K), making suburban areas practical for budget-conscious students.

Below are some suburban areas where students can reduce their cost of living in Paris.

Area	Average Rent (€/month)	Approximate Rent ( INR /month)
Saint-Denis	€600 – €850	INR 54K –  INR 76.5K
Ivry-sur-Seine	€650 – €900	INR 58.5K –  INR 81K
Montreuil	€700 – €1,000	INR 63K –  INR 90K
Vitry-sur-Seine	€650 – €900	INR 58.5K –  INR 81K
Bagnolet	€650 – €950	INR 58.5K –  INR 85.5K
Clichy	€700 – €1,000	INR 63K –  INR 90K
Bobigny	€600 – €850	INR 54K –  INR 76.5K
Alfortville	€650 – €900	INR 58.5K –  INR 81K

Also Read: Intakes in France: Jan, Sep & Rolling Admissions Explained

Now that you’ve seen the best universities in Paris and affordable locations, it’s time to look at the bigger picture, from utilities to transportation and daily living expenses, every aspect contributes to your overall cost of living in Paris.

Cost of Living in Paris for Students​: Additional Cost

Understanding additional costs is important when considering the many reasons to study in France, as budgeting well can help you make the most of your experience.

Monthly internet averages around €40 (INR 3,800), health insurance costs about €60 (INR 5,800), and public transport expenses reach approximately €88 (INR 8,500). Together, these add roughly 15-25% to your total monthly living costs.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of average monthly additional costs for students in Paris.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (€)	Approximate Cost (INR /month)
Electricity & Water	50 – 100	INR 4.5K – INR 9K
Gas Heating	60 – 120	INR 5.4K – INR 10.8K
Internet (Wi-Fi)	30 – 50	INR 2.7K – INR 4.5K
Mobile Phone Plan	15 – 30	INR 1.3K – INR 2.7K
Groceries	250 – 400	INR 22.5K – INR 36K
Dining Out (Occasional)	10 – 20 per meal	INR 0.9K – INR 1.8K per meal
Public Transport (Navigo)	75 – 100	INR 6.7K – INR 9K
Health Insurance (Student)	50 – 70	INR 4.5K – INR 6.3K
Fitness/Gym Membership	30 – 60	INR 2.7K – INR 5.4K

For Indian students, the combined additional monthly expenses (excluding rent) typically range between €500 and €800 (INR 45,000 – INR 72,000), depending on lifestyle choices and consumption habits.

Also Read: Cheapest Country to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

While the cost of living for students has been explored, let’s now look at the cost of living for residents based on the number of individuals.

H2: Cost of Living in Paris for Residents

Paris is a costly city, but it is still about 12.9% cheaper than the cost of living in London. On average, a single person spends around EUR 1,057 (INR 1L) per month living in Paris. As the household size increases, the cost rises to approximately EUR 3,740 (INR 3.6L) for a family of four. 

Below is a breakdown of the cost of living in Paris based on household size.

Household Type	Average Monthly Cost (Euro)	Average Monthly Cost (INR)
Single Person	€1,057	INR 1L
Couple (2 adults)	€1,475	INR 1.4L
Family with 1 Child (3 members)	€2,688	INR 2.6L
Family with 2 children (4 members)	€3,740	INR 3.6L

Also Read: Accommodation in France: Rent, University Housing, and Living Expenses Guide

Next, let’s explore practical strategies and actionable tips to save money during study abroad in Paris, without affecting your quality of life.

H2: How to Reduce Your Living Costs in Paris? Key Tips

Paris is the 5th most expensive city to live in the world. While tuition fees can be covered through scholarships that allow you to study abroad for free, managing living expenses can be tricky. Strategies like shared accommodation and home cooking can help reduce your monthly costs by up to 30%.

Here are practical strategies to reduce the cost of living in Paris for students.

1. Choose Shared Accommodation or Student Residences

• Renting a shared apartment or opting for university-provided student accommodation can reduce your rent by 30-40% compared to solo living.
• Suburban areas like Ivry-sur-Seine or Saint-Denis offer more affordable options, saving up to INR  70K per month in rent.

2. Utilize Public Transportation Passes

• Invest in a Navigo Student Pass (€84.10/month), which offers unlimited access to metros, buses, trams, and RER trains, making it the most economical travel option.
• Avoid taxis and rideshare services for daily commutes as they can increase monthly expenses by €100 – €200 (INR 9K – INR 18K).

3. Plan Your Meals and Cook at Home

• Dining out regularly can strain your budget. Preparing home-cooked meals can save you approximately €150 – €200 (INR  13.5K – INR  18K) each month.
• Shop at open-air markets, discount grocery stores (like Lidl or Franprix), and Indian stores for cost-effective ingredients.

4. Opt for Prepaid SIM Cards and Affordable Internet Plans

• Choose prepaid mobile plans starting at €15 – €20/month (INR  1.4K – INR  1.8K), instead of expensive postpaid contracts.
• Compare broadband providers for student-specific internet deals or share a plan with flatmates to split the cost.

5. Use Student Discounts and Cultural Passes

• Always carry your student ID to avail discounts on public transport, cinema tickets, museums, theaters, and even certain cafes.
• Consider getting a Carte Jeune (youth discount card) for additional savings on travel and entertainment.

6. Buy Second-Hand Furniture and Essentials

• Furnishing your apartment through flea markets (Marché aux Puces), thrift shops, or platforms like Leboncoin can reduce your initial setup costs by up to 50%.

7. Use Free Campus Facilities

• Instead of paid gym memberships, take advantage of university sports centers, free yoga sessions, or public parks for fitness activities.

8. Track Your Expenses and Stick to a Monthly Budget

• Use expense-tracking apps to monitor your spending habits and identify areas where you can cut down unnecessary costs.
• Setting a realistic monthly budget will help avoid overspending and manage unexpected expenses efficiently.

By following these strategies, you can potentially save €300 – €500 per month (INR  27K – INR  45K), making your stay in Paris significantly more affordable without compromising on quality of life.

Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Europe

Now, let’s see how upGrad can support your plans for studying in Paris. 

How upGrad Can Support Your Study Abroad Journey

Pursuing your higher education in Paris opens up exciting opportunities, but having the right support ensures a smoother and more successful transition. upGrad offers comprehensive assistance tailored to Indian students aspiring to study abroad. 

Here's how upGrad can facilitate your transition to studying in Paris:

• Comprehensive Program Selection: upGrad provides access to a diverse range of programs across various disciplines, including business, technology, and the arts. 
• Personalized Counseling Services: You will receive personalized counseling to guide you through every step of the application process. From selecting the right university to preparing for interviews, upGrad’s experts will assist you.
• Financial Planning and Scholarships: Get help in identifying scholarship opportunities and financial aid options to help manage tuition fees and living expenses.
• Visa and Documentation Assistance: The expert visa team at upGrad will offer guidance on the necessary paperwork, ensuring you meet all requirements for a successful application.
• Pre-Departure Support: To ease your transition, upGrad conducts pre-departure sessions covering essential topics such as cultural adaptation, accommodation options, and what to expect upon arrival in Paris.

Unsure how to manage your budget to study in Paris? Book a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad’s experts today and get a clear, customized plan to balance your expenses and make the most of your time abroad!