Paris Cost of Living: Complete Guide to Budgeting in 2025

2. Housing: Your #1 Expense

Finding accommodation in Paris can feel challenging, but there are options for every profile. From student residences and flatshares to private studios, it’s all about knowing the average prices and anticipating your needs.

Average Rent in Paris

• Studio in central areas (Latin Quarter, Marais): €950–1,200
• One-bedroom apartment: €1,500–2,000
• Shared flat (room): €600–900
• Suburbs (Montreuil, Villejuif, Saint-Ouen): 20–30% cheaper

👉 By comparison, a studio in Lyon costs around €650—a big difference.

Housing Tips

• Flatsharing is the best way to cut costs and meet new people.
• Well-connected suburbs (Saint-Denis, Ivry, Montreuil) offer a good balance between price and commute.
• Student residences and coliving options often include shared spaces like gyms, coworking, and common kitchens, giving you more value for money.

Ecla Residences in Paris

Settling in Paris or the Paris region is easier with Ecla residences. Forget utility bills—your monthly rent already includes cold and hot water, electricity, heating, and more.

Options range from a single bed in a hostel (from €500) to shared rooms (from €850), modern studios (around €950), or spacious one-bedrooms (about €1,100).

Ecla is more than housing—it’s a lifestyle! With included access to a gym, yoga room, coworking areas, cinema, and music studio, you get both comfort and community.

👉 Perfect for students and international newcomers seeking an affordable yet modern living experience in Paris.

3. Food and Eating Out

Eating well in Paris doesn’t have to drain your wallet. The trick is balancing groceries and restaurants. Between bakeries, local markets, and student-friendly eateries, you’ll find plenty of options.

Grocery Budget

• Baguette: €1.20
• Milk: €1.10/L
• Chicken: €12/kg

👉 Expect to spend €250–350/month on basic groceries. Cooking at home can save money while letting you explore French flavors.

Eating Out

• Brasserie lunch: €15–20
• Mid-range restaurant: €30–40 per person
• Beer at a bar: €7–8

💡 Tip: go for lunch menus (cheaper) and explore student districts for budget-friendly dining.

4. Transport: Getting Around Affordably

In Paris, you don’t need a car. With the metro, RER, buses, and bikes, you can get anywhere efficiently.

• Navigo Pass (zones 1–5): €86.40/month
• Single metro ticket: €2.15
• Taxi or rideshare: €15–25 for average trips
• Vélib’ bike rental: from €3/month

👉 Many students and young workers combine Navigo + Vélib’, which is both practical and cost-effective.

5. Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare in Paris is affordable compared to many countries. A doctor’s visit is reasonably priced, and with insurance, you’re well covered.

• Doctor’s consultation: €25
• Health insurance: €30–80/month depending on coverage

💡 Thanks to the French Social Security system, part of the cost is reimbursed, making healthcare more budget-friendly than in places like Switzerland.

6. Leisure and Lifestyle

Living in Paris isn’t just about studying or working—it’s about concerts, cinema, weekend trips, and enjoying parks. These activities can add up, but they’re part of the Parisian charm.

• Cinema: €12–15
• Gym membership: €40–80/month
• Concerts: €40–90
• 3-star hotel night: €120–180

💡 Pro tip: Museums are free on the first Sunday of each month, and parks offer endless free entertainment.

8. Salaries and Purchasing Power

The Paris cost of living only makes sense when compared to income. Salaries are higher in Paris, but do they balance the rent?

• Average gross salary: ≈ €3,000
• Finance/tech jobs: €5,000+
• Minimum wage (2025): ≈ €1,425 net for 35 hours per week.

👉 Even with higher wages, rent consumes a large share of income. Prioritizing housing and food expenses helps keep your budget under control.