In France, the budget to be expected depends on the city in which you are going to establish your residence 📍.
In Paris (the most expensive city in France): it costs between 1200 and 1800€ per month including accommodation if you decide to live in a small area.
In Nice: it is necessary to count between 900 and 1400€ per month
In Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse: between €800 and €1,000.
For the rest of France, you can live on a smaller budget (about 650 euros per month).
Please note: prices are not negotiable in France. In French culture, it is very frowned upon to negotiate prices.
→ How are expenses allocated?
🏡 Accommodation
On average between 800 and 1,000 euro.
Housing is what will cost you the most, especially if you choose one of the 4 largest cities in France: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse. For French students, it represents 50% of expenses per month. In addition to the rental price, you must add:
The 1st month | Payment of the security deposit (usually 1 month's rent) |
Then every month in addition to the rent | The price of electricity if it is not included in the rent; the price of compulsory home insurance in France (on average an additional €70 per month). |
Psst
Fortunately, even if you are not of French nationality, a number of State aids are possible.
🍝 Food
On average €400 per month in food costs.
It is necessary to count on average 400€ of food budget per month. If you are a student, university meals are a good plan, you can find a full meal for 3.25 € to 3.30 € with starter, main course and dessert. In a restaurant, on average the price of a meal is between 10€ and 15€.
Do you know the “French paradox”? French food is very rich and the meal is composed of several dishes, yet the French stay in shape
How? The secret is the quantity, the French will peck small quantities of each dish.
→ Other everyday expenses: transport, clothing, telephones and leisure! On average: 150€ per month
In France, if you are a student you will always benefit from reductions: transport tickets, telephone packages and leisure activities. Do not leave without your student card as proof will be required.
🚍 Transportation
A monthly subscription for the bus, metro or tram is generally around 30 to 75€ per month.
Good to know: taxis are very expensive even if with Uber, prices are reduced. In most cities you can rent a bike! There are annual subscriptions. In recent years, cities have been committed to the development of bicycles, you can find many cycle paths.
🩺 Complementary health
You benefit from social security coverage during your studies in France. To increase the amount of refund of your health costs, you can register with complementary health insurance or mutual insurance. On average, the price of a supplement per month is €50.
🎟️ Hobbies
Leisure is an important part of French culture and the French State makes it a point of honor to make it accessible to students: museums, cinemas, theatres! To consume without moderation.