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Cost of Living in Paris: Budget Right, Live Well

Christelle Perrin

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Quick summary

High Average Cost: The monthly budget is around €2,300, or €1,500 with smart cost-saving measures.
Main Expense: Housing is the largest cost, followed by food (€300–€400/month).
Navigo Pass: The essential monthly transport pass costs €88.80.
Employee Benefit: Employers typically cover at least 50% of the Navigo Pass cost for staff.

In 2025, the cost of living in Paris remains high compared to the rest of France. Moderate inflation keeps expenses at a premium level. Below is a structured overview of the main categories. This will help you plan your move with peace of mind. The visa on demand is €615, but this is not enough to live in Paris. If you want to learn French in Paris, FTC Paris explain why.

Housing: The Biggest Expense

As discussed in our dedicated housing guide, the average rent for a studio (around 18m²) in Paris is about €900 per month. This often represents one-third of a resident’s total budget. Add utility costs—water, electricity, and gas. These range from €150 to €200 per month for a small apartment. This depends on your usage and chosen providers.

Transportation: Daily Smoothness

Getting around the Île-de-France region is not free. A single t+ ticket for the metro, RER, tram, or bus costs €2.50. For regular use, like your trips to FTC Paris, the all-zone Navigo pass is essential. It costs €88.80 per month, or about €976.80 per year in 2025. Follow our guide to get your Navigo Pass. Good news for employees: employers must cover at least 50% of this cost. This can be up to 75% or more, depending on agreements. This coverage is tax-free.

Phone & Internet

Plan for a mobile phone subscription. If you are an EU citizen, your original plan is enough without extra cost since 2017. Otherwise:

Mobile plans (50–100 GB): Aggressive promos make €9–€15/month realistic with MVNOs and operator sub-brands; check live comparators for the best price this month.
Home internet: Most students pay €20–€35/month depending on operator, fibre availability and promo periods. For current offers, use a neutral comparator.List item

Food: Balance and Savings

For one person, monthly grocery shopping is between €300 and €400. This assumes you alternate between markets, supermarkets, and fresh produce. Employees often benefit from employer help through titres-restaurant (meal vouchers). This is an average of €9.40 per workday. This covers a significant part of lunch costs.

Entertainment: The Pleasures of the Capital

Do not forget to budget for Parisian enjoyment—restaurants, cinemas, bars, etc. For an active person, this is €200 to €400 per month, depending on your lifestyle. A restaurant meal costs about €15, a cinema ticket €12, and a drink at a bar is between €7 and €13. Enjoy Happy hour and affordable restaurants to save your budget!

Total Budget : A Realistic Overview

In short, the average monthly budget for one person in Paris is about €2,300, including rent and utilities. With tips like flatsharing or living in the suburbs, it is possible to lower this to €1,500. The key is wise planning. This lets you enjoy the magic of Paris without harming your financial stability.

Cost of Living in Paris

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Christelle Perrin
Christelle is an editor at FTC Paris. She writes practical guides on learning French and living in Paris. Official pen name; content reviewed by the teaching team.
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