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Student budget in Paris: Monthly expenses, accommodation and tips to save money
Paris is one of the most exciting student cities in the world, but also one of the most expensive places in France to study and live on a daily basis. For international students who are planning to study in the French capital, it is essential to know the real monthly budget required before moving.
How much budget do students need in Paris each month?
Paris has a reputation for being expensive, and in some ways it earns it. But the reality for students is more nuanced: with the right setup, it's entirely possible to live comfortably in the French capital without burning through savings every month.
As a rough guide, most international students in Paris spend between €900 and €1,800 per month, depending heavily on their accommodation costs. A tight but workable budget sits around €900–€1,100. A more comfortable mid-range lifestyle — with occasional restaurant meals, social outings and a bit of breathing room — runs closer to €1,200–€1,500. Students renting a private studio in central Paris, or those who enjoy eating out regularly, may spend upwards of €1,600–€1,800.
Accommodation is the biggest cost driver. It can account for 40–60% of a student's monthly outgoings.
One important note for international students: your first month in Paris will cost significantly more than a typical month. Deposits, agency fees, transport card setup and household basics can add €1,000–€2,000 on top of regular expenses. It's worth factoring that in before you arrive.
The ultimate guide to student life in Paris
Why does the cost of living in Paris vary so much
Location is the single biggest variable. A room in a student hall near the Porte de Clichy costs a fraction of a studio in the Latin Quarter. Your choice of supermarket, whether you cook or eat out, and how far you commute all compound over time. Two students at the same university can easily have monthly costs that differ by €500 or more.
Monthly student budget in Paris: sample cost breakdown
Understanding roughly what each expense category will cost, and which ones you can actually control, helps enormously when planning your finances.
Fixed monthly expenses
These are the costs you can predict and largely can't avoid:
- Accommodation (rent): €400–€1,200 depending on type and location
- Transport (Navigo monthly pass, student rate): approximately €40–€55
- Health insurance / complementary mutuelle: €0–€50 (see later section)Mobile phone plan: €10–€25 for a French SIM
- Internet (if not included in rent): €20–€35
- Renters' insurance (assurance habitation): €5–€15
Flexible monthly expenses
These vary based on lifestyle and habits, but the estimates below reflect realistic student spending:
- Groceries: €150–€250
- Eating out / takeaway: €50–€150
- Study materials (books, printing, software): €20–€50 averaged monthly
- Entertainment, socialising, sport: €50–€150 on average
- Clothing, toiletries, miscellaneous: €30–€80 on average
Example budget table for international students
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Comfortable |
| Accommodation | €450 | €750 | €1,100 |
| Food & groceries | €180 | €250 | €350 |
| Transport | €45 | €50 | €55 |
| Utilities / phone / internet | €30 | €50 | €60 |
| Health & insurance | €15 | €25 | €40 |
| Entertainment & social | €50 | €100 | €150 |
| Study materials | €20 | €30 | €40 |
| Total (approx.) | €790–€900 | €1,200–€1,300 | €1,700–€1,800 |
The budget column assumes CROUS or heavily subsidised housing; without it, a realistic floor rises closer to €950–€1,050.
Student accommodation in Paris: housing options and rent ranges
Finding somewhere to live is often the most stressful part of moving to Paris, particularly for international students navigating an unfamiliar rental market. Here's a breakdown of what's available.
CROUS housing and university-managed accommodation
CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) manages a network of student halls across Paris and the Île-de-France region. Rents are heavily subsidised, typically €250–€450 per month for a room, and they represent the most affordable option on paper.
The catch is competition. Places are allocated based on financial need and application merit, and international students from non-EU countries may face additional administrative hurdles. Applications open in spring for the following academic year, and demand is consistently more than the supply.
Private student residences
Private student residences (résidences étudiantes) offer more availability and often more comfort than CROUS halls, at a higher price. Expect to pay €600–€1,000 per month, typically including utilities, Wi-Fi and access to shared facilities. Many are operated by companies like Nexity Studéa, Kardham, or Les Estudines.
Shared flats and private housing
Renting a room in a shared flat (colocation) is one of the most common choices for students not in halls. Rooms typically cost €500–€900 per month in Paris, with bills and internet sometimes included. Platforms like SeLoger, PAP, Facebook groups, and LeBonCoin are commonly used, though competition is fierce.
Studios, host families and short-term options
A private studio (studio or T1) in Paris costs €800–€1,400 per month in most arrondissements, rising to €1,200–€1,600 in central or sought-after areas. They offer independence and privacy, but the costs are substantial on a student’s income.
Living with a French host family (famille d'accueil) is a less common but genuinely useful option for exchange students or those who want language immersion. Costs vary widely depending on whether meals are included, but it can come in around €500–€800 per month with breakfast and dinner.
Deposits, guarantors and agency fees to expect
When renting privately in Paris, be ready for:
- Deposit: typically, one month's rent (unfurnished) or two months (furnished)
- Agency fees: capped at roughly one month's rent but can still be significant
- First month's rent: due upfront on signing
- Guarantor documents: proof of income, tax returns and ID
These move-in costs add up fast. Be prepared to budget an additional €1,500–€3,000 for the rental setup in your first month.
Where to live in Paris: arrondissement and suburb cost comparison
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, arranged in a clockwise spiral from the city centre. As a general rule, rent decreases the further you move from the centre, but transport costs and commute times would rise, consequently.
Central Paris vs outer arrondissements
The 1st through 8th arrondissements are the most prestigious and expensive. Student housing here is costly. The 5th and 6th arrondissements (the Latin Quarter) are historically associated with student life, but rents have climbed over the years.
The outer arrondissements, particularly the 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th, offer meaningfully lower rents while still being within the Paris city limits and covered by the standard Navigo pass. A room in the 19th might cost €150–€200 less per month than an equivalent room in the 6th.
Student-friendly suburbs with lower rent
Several suburbs within the Île-de-France region have large student populations and lower rents than inner Paris. Areas like Saint-Denis, Villejuif, Nanterre, Créteil and Massy host major universities and grandes écoles, with rents often 20–35% lower than comparable accommodation inside the city. If your campus is in one of these areas or is well-connected by RER or metro, living nearby can make strong financial sense.
Food budget in Paris: groceries, meal deals and eating out
Food is one of the most controllable costs in a student budget. With a bit of planning, eating well in Paris doesn't have to be expensive.
Average grocery and meal costs
The main budget-friendly supermarkets in Paris are Lidl, Aldi, Ed and Franprix, though you'll also find Monoprix, Carrefour City and Casino at every corner. A weekly grocery shop for one person doing most cooking at home runs to roughly €40–€70.
CROUS-operated student restaurants (restaurants universitaires or RU) offer hot meals for around €3.30 per meal with a student card. This is one of the best deals in the city.
A simple lunch at a local café or bakery (a sandwich, a drink and perhaps a pastry) typically costs €6–€10. Sit-down restaurant meals start around €12–€15 for a basic set menu (formule) at lunchtime.
How to reduce food expenses each month
Cooking at home is the most effective way to control spending. Batch cooking on Sundays and shopping at local markets towards closing time (when prices drop) can make a genuine difference. Tip: Check apps like Too Good To Go, which sells surplus food from restaurants and bakeries at reduced prices.
Transport and transportation costs for students in Paris
Paris has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. For students, it's largely affordable and comprehensive.
Student travel pass options
The Navigo Liberté+ pass is a pay-as-you-go option with no monthly commitment. But for most students, the Navigo Mois or Navigo Semaine, monthly or weekly flat-rate passes, offer better value. Students under 26 are eligible for a reduction, and those under 20 may qualify for a steeper discount through the Île-de-France Mobilités scheme.
In recent years, a monthly youth pass has been available for around €40–€55 for students under 26, covering all zones. Verify current pricing on the Île-de-France Mobilités website, as rates are updated periodically.
Metro, bus, bike and regional travel costs
The Paris metro is efficient and covers the city well. Buses and trams extend coverage to areas not on the metro.
Tip: The Vélib' bike-sharing scheme has an annual student subscription of around €33, offering unlimited 30-minute rides, ideal for short urban trips.
Utilities, phone, internet and health costs to include
These are the costs that often surprise students who focus their budget planning entirely on rent and food. Getting them wrong could impact your real monthly expenses.
What utilities are usually included in rent
In CROUS halls and most private student residences, utilities (electricity, water, heating) and internet are typically included in the rent. In private rentals and shared flats, the arrangement varies; always confirm before signing.
If utilities are not included, electricity and heating can add €30–€80 per month, depending on the season, with winter months running higher.
Mobile, internet and insurance costs
French mobile plans are competitively priced. Operators like Free, Bouygues and Red by SFR all offer student-friendly SIM-only plans from around €10–€20 per month for a generous data allowance. A standalone internet subscription, if needed, costs approximately €25–€35.
Renters' insurance (assurance habitation) is legally required in France. Basic cover costs between €5 and €15 per month.
Health cover for international students in France
EU students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to French public healthcare. Non-EU international students enrolled in a French higher education institution are affiliated with the French social security system, which covers a significant portion of healthcare costs. However, a complementary insurance (mutuelle) fills the remaining gap and is strongly recommended.
Student discounts and financial support in France
France has a reasonably robust system of student support, but it just requires some effort to access.
Student discounts on transport, culture and food
A valid student card opens the door to a wide range of discounts in Paris:
- Museums: Most national museums in France are free for under-26s who are EU residents (and very low-cost or free for many non-EU students too). This includes the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and the Centre Pompidou.
- Cinema: Student pricing at most cinemas runs to around €7–€9 per ticket, compared to €13–€15 full price. The UGC Illimité and MK2 subscription passes offer unlimited films for around €20–€22 per month and are popular with students.
- Transport: Youth and student discounts on SNCF trains (the Carte Avantage Jeune) offer 30–50% off rail travel across France for under-27s.
- Food: CROUS restaurants at €3.30 per meal; various apps and restaurant deals for students.
Scholarship and funding options to check
- Erasmus+ grants for exchange students cover part of living costs (amounts vary by programme and destination).
- Campus France bursaries for students from certain partner countries
- French government excellence scholarships (Bourse du gouvernement français).
- Business school’s own merit scholarships: Check the admissions and financial aid pages of the business school you’re applying to directly.
- Many national governments also offer study-abroad grants; checking with your home country's education authority is worthwhile.
Can international students work part-time in Paris?
Yes, but with some caveats. Working part-time is common among international students and can meaningfully ease the monthly budget.
Typical student jobs and expected earnings
In France, non-EU students on a student visa (visa étudiant) are permitted to work up to 964 hours per year, which works out to roughly 20 hours per week. EU students face no restrictions.
Common student jobs include:
- Hospitality and waiting tables: €11–€15/hour (SMIC minimum wage in 2024–25 is approximately €11.65 gross)
- Au pair or babysitting: €10–€14/hour, often with flexibility suited to a study schedule
- English language tutoring: €15–€25/hour, in strong demand in Paris
- Retail and customer service: €11–€13/hour
- Internships (stages): mandatory in many programmes; paid internships attract a minimum indemnity
How much part-time work can offset your monthly budget
Working 15–20 hours per week at minimum wage brings in roughly €650–€900 per month gross. After French social contributions (which are reduced for students), take-home pay is somewhat lower.
FAQ: student budget in Paris
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Most international students spend between €900 and €1,500 per month on living costs, not including tuition. The range is wide because accommodation, the highest cost, varies dramatically depending on housing type and location. Students in CROUS halls with frugal habits can manage closer to €800–€900; those in private studios with a social lifestyle may spend €1,600–€1,800.
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CROUS university halls are the most affordable option, with rents typically between €250 and €450 per month. Places are limited and competitive, so applying early is essential. Shared flats in the outer arrondissements are the next most affordable option, with rooms available from around €500–€650 per month.
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Yes, but it requires securing subsidised housing. A student in CROUS accommodation, using CROUS restaurants regularly, holding a student Navigo pass, can realistically live on €800–€1,000 per month. Without subsidised housing, a realistic floor is closer to €1,000–€1,100.
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Yes. The youth Navigo pass, available to students under 26, costs around €40–€55 per month and covers unlimited travel across the Paris metro, bus, RER and tram network. This is an excellent value compared to equivalent transport costs in London or other major European capitals.
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On top of funding your first month's normal living expenses, budget an additional €1,500–€3,000 for move-in costs: deposit, first month's rent, agency fees, transport card setup and household basics. Students renting privately rather than through CROUS should aim for the higher end of that range.
