Cost of Living in Paris for International Students: A Complete Breakdown

France has long been the most visited country in the world, with its capital city, Paris, attracting millions of visitors every year. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Paris is a popular destination for international students seeking new experiences, rich culture and a high-quality education.

However, we need to ask the question: Is it expensive to live in Paris? Let’s break down the cost of living in Paris, from tuition to transport, and share some valuable tips for managing living costs in Paris for international students.

Is Paris Expensive for International Students?

Despite its reputation for glamour and luxury, Paris can offer international students an affordable education with careful planning. The cost of living in Paris for international students depends on various factors, including lifestyle and accommodation choices, allowing students to control their budget.

While Paris may be more expensive than smaller cities in France, students can enjoy numerous discounts and budget-friendly options that can help them manage their living expenses in the iconic city.

Monthly Average Cost of Living in Paris for International Students

As mentioned, living costs in Paris vary depending on lifestyle. However, the main expenses for international students in Paris will likely include rent, food, utilities, transport and health insurance.

On average, the cost of living in Paris for students is approximately €1,000 to €1,500 per month. This guide aims to help international students budget before pursuing higher education in Paris.

Here are the average expenses for key living costs in Paris for students:

Student Accommodation in Paris

So, is it expensive to live in Paris? Housing is generally the most expensive monthly cost for international students, who can choose between different accommodation options. Paris offers diverse housing for students, from budget-friendly options to high-end private apartments.

Check out the Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) Paris accommodation page for helpful information and links to accommodation providers.  

Below are a few accommodation options for international students:

• Residence Halls – Located on campus or nearby, offering basic facilities and services to students. Budget-friendly option: €350 – €600 per month.
  
• Private Accommodation – Students can find private student apartments to live alone or flat-share with others. Costs vary significantly from €600 – €1,500 per month.
  
• Homestays / Hostels – Alternative accommodation options for students, usually on a short-term basis. Students can explore government and university-specific housing assistance programmes. Expect to pay around €500 – €800 per month.

Explore some of the popular areas students choose to live in Paris here.

Food and Grocery Costs in Paris

While Paris is famous for its cuisine, eating out regularly can be very expensive. So, international students tend to cook their croque monsieurs at home to reduce the cost of living in Paris! On average, international students should expect to spend between €200 and €300 per month on groceries.

Shopping at local markets and budget-friendly supermarkets like Lidl and Carrefour can help keep grocery costs low. Remember that many restaurants, cafés and bakeries also offer student discounts and happy hours.

Transportation Cost in Paris for Students

Paris’ reliable and student-friendly public transport system makes getting around the city easy and affordable.

With the Navigo Pass, students under 26 pay just €38 a month for unlimited access to the metro, buses and trams in Paris and the surrounding areas. Cycling is also a popular mode of transport in Paris, which can help keep costs down while maintaining health and fitness.

Cost of Health Insurance in Paris

Health insurance is a requirement for all international students in France. If you’re from the EU, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) usually covers most medical expenses. Non-EU students must register with the French public health insurance system, which is typically free or low-cost.

For additional coverage, many students opt for a supplementary plan called a ‘mutuelle’, which costs approximately between €20 and €40 per month.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Costs

Living expenses in Paris for students also extend to entertainment and lifestyle costs, which vary from person to person. While some international students will budget a lot for entertainment, others will take advantage of various free and discounted attractions in Paris, including museums, art galleries and cultural sites.

Bubbling with culture and social life, Paris offers so much for students. From live sport at the Parc des Princes or Roland Garros to iconic theatre productions like the Moulin Rouge, spending lots on entertainment in the City of Lights is easy.

As a rough guide, we suggest budgeting at least €100 – €200 per month to see the best of Paris.

Tuition Fees and Other Academic Expenses

France is home to various higher education institutions, including public and private schools. This means tuition fees vary significantly depending on the type of institution and the programme fee structure.

According to Times Higher Education, tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from €2,770 to €3,770 for postgraduate students and up to €30,000 per year.

In addition to tuition fees, international students in Paris should budget around $50 to €100 per semester for additional academic expenses like textbooks, trips and supplies.

Money-Saving Tips to Manage the Cost of Living in Paris

With so much on offer for international students, budgeting while studying in Paris can be challenging. However, by following these tips, you can avoid overspending to ensure you don’t miss out on the must-do things in Paris!

Here are our top 10 tips for limiting the cost of living in Paris for international students:

• Take advantage of student discounts.
• Cook at home and limit eating out
• Shop at thrift stores and second-hand shops
• Plan your budget and use apps to track spending
• Explore free activities
• Consider flat-sharing or homestays
• Buy monthly or annual transport passes
• Benefit from free or low-cost university services
• Rent textbooks and study materials at public libraries
• Open a French bank account to avoid international fees

Study in Paris Today!

Now you know the cost of living in Paris for international students, it’s time to find your perfect programme.

The Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) has partnered with the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Pôle Paris Alternance (PPA) Business School and the Higher Education School of Computer Engineering (ESGI) to offer a wide range of programmes for students in Paris.

Offering an affordable education at an award-winning school, BSBI Paris students can benefit from perks like free French lessons, dedicated career support, English-taught programmes and a multicultural student experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Study in Paris today and start an enriching academic journey with BSBI’s two-programme award in Paris. Explore the programmes awarded by PPA Business School, ESGI and the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) here.