Studying abroad in a big metropolitan city is an exciting option but can be daunting as well. Moving to Paris means you’ll also need to consider the cost of living in Paris, what you will spend on food, utilities and transportation, and how often you will go out with friends or for entertainment while living there.
If you are planning on studying abroad in Paris as a French student, there are many international universities like MASH International School of Business (MISB), PSL University, and more. The good news is that Paris is generally less expensive than many other cities such as London, Zurich, and Copenhagen so long as you plan carefully.
Depending on where you live, your spending habits, and whether you want to share an apartment or stay in student housing versus rent your own studio apartment, it is possible to budget as an international student living cost in Paris between €1,200 and €2,000 per month.
This guide provides you with information regarding student accommodation in Paris costs, monthly expenses, food budget, transportation, utilities, and any hidden cost you should keep in mind.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Paris
On average, monthly expenses in Paris for students are between €1,200 and €2,000, which includes rent, food, transport, utility bills and leisure activities.
Accommodation typically represents the largest expense when it comes to cost of living in Paris with 40%-60% of total monthly budget, therefore students who are renting a room in a shared apartment versus those renting a studio or an apartment privately will spend less overall.
There are ways to save money by making lifestyle decisions, such as cooking at home and using student transport passes (rather than regular transport) and by securing affordable student accommodation.
The table below shows the average monthly costs that international students can expect to incur during their time living and studying in Paris.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (in €) |
| Rent | 700 – 1,300 |
| Food & Groceries | 200 – 350 |
| Transportation | 30 – 80 |
| Utilities | 50 – 120 |
| Internet & Mobile | 20 – 40 |
| Entertainment | 80 – 200 |
| Health & Insurance | 30 – 80 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 1,200 – 2,000 |
Students must remember these costs are an estimation and for a more accurate calculation, you can use the Cost of Living Calculator by University Living.
Student Accommodation Costs in Paris
Accommodation is among the largest expenses for international students living in Paris. The amount of rent an international student may need to pay for accommodation will depend on various factors such as the area, room type or type of location and whether or not the place has property features that will attract students.
There are many areas where students frequently live, such as the Latin Quarter, Montparnasse, and the 13th arrondissement because they provide good access to universities and transport links.
Selecting the right student housing in Paris can also help students to save hundreds of euros each month. Mostly, students will choose between Purpose built school accommodation (PBSA) or private/shared apartments.
Types of Student Accommodations in Paris
Finding the right accommodation is one of the most important factors for budgeting your cost of living in Paris. Students have different options available to them, based on criteria such as money, lifestyle and privacy.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodations: PBSAs are specifically designed for student living and range from €750 to €1,400 per month, and offer fully furnished, study areas, gyms, laundry, and security services. International students are often more likely to select PBSA than other types of markets, because utility costs are generally included in the overall rent along with Wi-Fi and maintenance costs, and because the community aspect of PBSAs make it easy for international students to meet and interact with other individuals in the same or similar situations.
- Studio rooms: The average rent for these are between €950 and €1,700 a month depending on size location, amenities (ie: fully equipped kitchen), etc. They are a stand-alone unit that includes their own bathroom, bedroom and kitchenette. Studio apartments Paris usually provides students greater independence than living in a Shared Apartment and are generally more expensive as well.
- En-suite rooms: These rooms cost between €750 and €1,200 month and consist of mostly 1–2-bedroom apartments with private bathrooms. These apartments also provide access to shared kitchen facilities and common living areas; therefore, they are considered an excellent balance of economical and independent housing options for international students desiring comfort combined with the ability to meet other students.
- Shared apartments: Such student homes in Paris are often the least expensive option for student accommodation, costing between €500 and €900 per student. Rent, utilities, and common living area expenses are divided among all the apartment’s tenants; therefore, this type of accommodation provides a low-cost way for students to combine their living expenses and offers socializing with other students.
Private apartments: Monthly rents for private residences are from approximately €1,100 and €2,000. They allow students to have complete control over their living space and provides the greatest amount of privacy. Those who live in private apartments can expect to be responsible for their own utilities including electric, internet, heating, etc. Private apartments will therefore be the best option for undergrad or graduate students and young working professionals.
Accommodation Cost Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of average rent in Paris for students based on different room types and housing options.
| Accommodation Type | Average Monthly Cost (in €) |
| Studio Room (PBSA) | 950 – 1,700 |
| En-suite Room (PBSA) | 750 – 1,200 |
| Shared Apartment | 500 – 900 |
| Private Apartment | 1,100 – 2,000 |
Best Student Areas to Live in Paris
Paris is divided into 20 unique arrondissements each offering a different lifestyle, rental market, and student experience. Choosing the right neighborhood depends on your budget, university location, and preferred social environment. Here are the best student areas in Paris with rent and other entities.
Budget-Friendly Areas
19th Arrondissement (Buttes-Chaumont & La Villette)
- Average rent: €550–€700 per month
- Nearby university: Université Paris Cité is around 25 to 30 minute commute
- Transport convenience: Well connected via Metro Lines 2, 5, and 7
- Student vibe: Creative, energetic, and social with canal-side hangouts and affordable nightlife
20th Arrondissement (Belleville & Ménilmontant)
- Average rent: €500–€700 per month
- Nearby university: Sorbonne University is around 35 to 40 minute commute
- Transport convenience: Metro Lines 2, 3, and 11 provide easy city access
- Student vibe: Multicultural, artsy, and budget-friendly with a strong community feel
Mid-Range Student Areas
13th Arrondissement (Gobelins & Place d’Italie)
- Average rent: €750–€950 per month
- Nearby universities: Sorbonne University is around 15 to 20 minute commute
- Transport convenience: Major hub with Metro Lines 5, 6, 7, and 14
- Student vibe: Modern, diverse, and practical with affordable food spots and study-friendly spaces
14th Arrondissement (Montparnasse)
- Average rent: €800–€1,000 per month
- Nearby universities: Sorbonne University is around 10 to 15 minute commute; Paris School of Economics is around 20 minute walk
- Transport convenience: Major rail and metro hub with Montparnasse Station and multiple metro lines
- Student vibe: Calm, residential, and study-focused with a balanced student lifestyle
Premium Student Neighborhoods
5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter)
- Average rent: €1,050–€1,400+ per month
- Nearby universities: Sorbonne University rakes 5 to 10 minute walk, École Normale Supérieure is around 10 to 15 minute walk
- Transport convenience: Centrally located with Metro Lines 4, 10, and RER B
- Student vibe: Historic academic hub with lively cafés, bookstores, and strong student culture
6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
- Average rent: €1,200–€1,500+ per month
- Nearby universities: Sorbonne University takes 10 to 15 minute walk; Université Paris Cité central campuses takes 15 to 20 minute walk
- Transport convenience: Excellent metro connectivity and highly walkable area
- Student vibe: Upscale, stylish, and intellectual with iconic Parisian café culture
Popular Student Accommodation Options in Paris
Finding the right student accommodation France can make a huge difference to your academic and social experience. Whether you’re looking for affordability, convenience, or modern amenities, these popular student residences offer comfortable living spaces with excellent access to leading universities across Paris.
- Starting from: €555/month
- Room Types: Studio apartments, private rooms
- Best For: Budget-conscious students seeking a peaceful residential environment
- Nearby University: Gustave Eiffel University
- Key Amenities: Fully furnished rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, study areas, secure access, and excellent public transport connections.
- Starting from: €575/month
- Room Types: Studios, shared apartments
- Best For: Students looking for affordable accommodation with easy city access
- Nearby University: Paris-Est Créteil University (UPEC)
- Key Amenities: Furnished living spaces, bike storage, communal lounges, laundry facilities, and secure entry systems.
- Starting from: €630/month
- Room Types: Private studios, ensuite rooms
- Best For: International students seeking a comfortable and community-focused environment
- Nearby University: Sorbonne Paris Nord University
- Key Amenities: High-speed internet, study rooms, social spaces, on-site management, and convenient transport links.
- Starting from: €755/month
- Room Types: Modern studios and apartments
- Best For: Students enrolled in engineering and technology institutions
- Nearby University: Polytechnic Institute of Paris
- Key Amenities: Fully furnished rooms, fitness facilities, study lounges, secure access, and proximity to major transport hubs.
- Starting from: €798/month
- Room Types: Premium studios and private apartments
- Best For: Students seeking modern accommodation with premium amenities
- Nearby University: Paris-Saclay University
- Key Amenities: Contemporary interiors, high-speed Wi-Fi, communal areas, laundry facilities, secure entry, and excellent connectivity to campus and central Paris.
From budget-friendly studios to premium apartments, compare the best student accommodation Paris and reserve your space with University Living.
Also Read: A Realistic Weekly Budget in Paris for Students by Trisha Bhattacharya
Food & Grocery Costs in Paris
On average, students will spend around €200 to €350 a month on groceries and food while living in Paris. The student cost of food in Paris mainly depends on how they eat and cook. Students who prepare their own meals at home can effectively cut down their overall monthly costs.
Students will find many affordable grocery stores; the most common ones include Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour, and Monoprix. Eating out will also increase a student’s monthly expenses very quickly, particularly in tourists’ locations.
Many grocery stores even offer student discount programs like Student Beans where students can find deals on food, groceries, and entertainment. Meal prep for the entire week is also another method to control a student’s expenses.
The following table lists the average monthly food and grocery expenses for the cost of living in Paris.
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost (in €) |
| Grocery Shopping | 150 – 250 |
| Eating Out | 50 – 150 |
| Food Delivery | 20 – 80 |
| Total Food Budget | 200 – 350 |
Save more by combining student discounts, supermarket deals, and meal-prep strategies.
Transportation Costs in Paris
The average student spends between €30 and €80 a month on transportation as a student.
In general, Paris has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. As a student, it is possible to get a discount for purchasing and using a travel pass that works for all of the public transport modes (metro, bus, tram, and RER train).
Another option is to walk or ride a bicycle, which is easy to do in Paris because of the size of the city and the presence of bike sharing programs. With student accommodation near MASH International School of Business (MISB) or other campuses, you can save money on transportation by using the discounted transportation pass and public transportation options.
Monthly spending patterns by students for transportation cost in Paris are in the table below:
| Mode | Average Monthly Cost (in €) |
| Student Travel Pass | 30 – 50 |
| Public Transport | 35 – 60 |
| Cycling | 10 – 20 |
| Taxi/Rideshare | 20 – 80 |
| Total Transport Budget | 30 – 80 |
Students arriving in Paris for the first time may also benefit from airport pickup services through ULInfinity.
Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Paris
Students usually spend €50 to €120 per month on utilities, the internet, and mobile phones. Utility bills in Paris include electricity, heating, and water. If you live in a PBSA property, you may typically receive the benefits of all-inclusive rent, making it much simpler to budget for these types of expenses.
Internet access is a must for your studies, and there are lots of options for affordable mobile plans available throughout France.
Below is a monthly estimate of the utility, internet, and mobile costs you will encounter as a student in Paris.
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost (in €) |
| Electricity & Heating | 30 – 70 |
| Water | 10 – 20 |
| Internet | 15 – 30 |
| Mobile Plan | 10 – 20 |
| Total Utility Budget | 50 – 120 |
International students can simplify their arrival by arranging International SIM card through ULInfinity before reaching Paris.
Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Paris
International students studying in France are allowed to have a part-time job. Numerous students in France have a job that allows them to supplement their income and pay for living expenses. Working in retail stores, restaurants, tutoring, delivering food, or working for the university are some of the more common part-time job options.
With the average hour wage being between €11 to €18 for different jobs, the student can reduce the amount of monthly financial pressure. Many students receive supplemental income via a part-time job.
Below is a table of the average hourly wage for many of the different part-time jobs that are available to students.
| Job Type | Average Hourly Wage (in €) |
| Retail | 11 – 13 |
| Hospitality | 11 – 14 |
| Campus Jobs | 12 – 15 |
| Delivery/Freelance | 12 – 18 |
Hidden Costs Students Often Miss
When budgeting for their accommodation and food, a large number of students overlook their initial costs of setup, deposits and insurance, and other contingency expenditures.
ULInfinity services such as international money transfers, travel insurance, health insurance assistance, foreign money exchange and Room Essential Kits, make managing some of the expenses associated with being an early arrival more manageable.
The accumulated expenses incurred by students living in Paris in the first few weeks of their stay can accrue rapidly. Besides rent and daily expenditures, the following is a list of one-time or infrequent costs that all students should factor into their budgets.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (in €) |
| Setup Costs | 100 – 300 |
| Visa Fees | 50 – 150 |
| Insurance | 100 – 300 |
| Emergency Fund | 300 – 500 |
Protect yourself abroad with secure student support services through ULInfinity!
Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in Paris
Students can reduce their monthly cost of living in Paris without compromising their lifestyle.
Here are some techniques that can help you with this goal:
- Instead of renting your own apartment, find a roommate and share an apartment with someone else.
- Find a student residence early to obtain a lower rental rate.
- Look for discounts that may not be available to others and use them.
- Prepare more meals at home.
- Live as close to school as possible to limit transportation expenses.
- Use public transportation rather than rideshare companies.
- Use an all-inclusive student residence to prevent you from receiving utility bills.
- Search for second-hand textbooks/furniture.
- Develop a monthly budget.
- Compare several accommodations before signing a lease.
Saving a little here and a little there will add up to a large reduction in your total cost of studying abroad.
Is Paris Affordable for International Students?
Yes, international students can afford to live in Paris if they budget properly and pick the right accommodation. Although cost of living in Paris is more than other cities in France, it is competitive with major cities across the globe such as London, Amsterdam, and Zurich.
By finding cheap student housing Paris and using student discounts, plus budget control with discretionary spending, students can live comfortably in Paris and not overspend. In the end, Paris provides good value through providing top quality schooling, a wealth of culture and a variety of job opportunities.
Conclusion
The cost of Living in Paris for students typically ranges between €1,200 and €2,000 per month. The expense for student living reflects the amount spent on rental housing and is thus the most important factor when choosing accommodation in Paris.
An understanding of costs related to rent, transportation costs, food costs, utility costs, and hidden expenses will enable students to set up an accurate study abroad budget and avoid putting themselves under financial pressure.
University Living provides students with the option to review verified accommodation according to their needs and choice.
By planning and budgeting wisely, students will have the opportunity to enjoy the very best that Paris has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in Paris for international students?
For global students, living in Paris usually costs between €1,200-€2,000 a month, which includes your housing, food, transport, utilities, and personal spending. Housing usually makes up the biggest part of a student’s monthly budget.
Which area in Paris is the most affordable for students?
The best places for students in Paris that are budget-friendly are Saint-Denis, Ivry-sur-Seine and some areas of the 13th arrondissment as they have lower rent prices and good transport links to either universities or the centre of Paris.
Is student accommodation expensive in Paris?
There is a difference in the prices of student accommodation depending on the type of room and location. Generally, shared flats (with other students) and en-suite bedrooms tend to cost less, while studio apartments or private accommodations will tend to cost more. Booking your accommodation early can help you to secure a better rate.
How do students save money living in Paris?
The best ways for students to save money are to select shared accommodation, cook at home, use public transport, take advantage of student discounts and book your accommodation early. Setting a budget will also help with managing your spending.
Do utility bills come included when booking student accommodation?
Most of the PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) contains utilities and services such as broadband, heating and water in their price. In private rentals, students pay for their utilities separately. Always check what’s included prior to signing a tenancy agreement.
