What is the budget for a student in Paris?

Knowing your budget before you arrive helps you prepare your stay. Prices vary from one region to another, and Paris is the most expensive city in France.

I want to live in Paris intra-muros*

I don't want to live in Paris intra-muros*

\*Paris intra-muros means the city of Paris itself, inside the ring road (périphérique). Outside it are the surrounding towns.

Living in Paris: how much will I spend each month?

• Studio rent: about €850
• Water and electricity: €80–100
• Home insurance: from €8 with our partner Studcorp
• Phone plan: about €20
• Internet: from €25
• Food: about €250
• Public transport (imagine R student pass, under 26): about €33 (€401.30 a year)
• Laundry: about €10
• Total: about €1,275, excluding leisure, restaurants and travel

Living outside Paris: how much will I spend each month?

• Rent, utilities, home insurance (from €8 with Studcorp), phone and internet: about €680
• Food: about €220
• Public transport (imagine R student pass, under 26): about €33 (€401.30 a year)
• Laundry: about €10
• Total: about €945, excluding leisure, restaurants and travel

Don't forget

• A guarantor: most landlords ask for one. Read what a guarantor is. With Livinfrance, book your accommodation and Livinfrance acts as your guarantor 👨‍💻
• Tuition fees: at public universities, non-EU students usually pay higher fees (2025–26: €2,895 a year for a bachelor's, €3,941 for a master's).
• Your visa budget: for a student visa you must show at least €877.50 per month.

How to reduce your budget

• CAF housing aid can lower your rent, but whether you can receive it depends on your situation: since 1 July 2026, most non-EU students are no longer eligible. Check the conditions.
• A CROUS residence or a shared flat can give you more space for the same price, or simply cost less.
• More tips to save money every day: read this article 😜