Cost of Living in Paris, France

Updated:

NovoExpat

Are you considering a move to Paris, France, and wondering about the cost of living? Paris is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Paris and help you understand whether $3532 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3194.85.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries

Paris, France

restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

16.28 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

70.55 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

11.94 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

7.6 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

7.11 $

Cappuccino (regular)

4.31 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

3.54 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

2.84 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.51 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.96 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

2.31 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

4.69 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

20.44 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

15.15 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

24.66 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.58 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.45 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.56 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.29 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.35 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.52 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.68 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.92 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

8.68 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.4 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.69 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

12.48 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

2.28 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

91.28 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

5.43 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

2.02 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

48.84 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

2.14 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

27135.72 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

30594.16 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

218.75 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

32.82 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

41.7 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

17.75 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

14.11 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

883.71 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

14924.64 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

100.4 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

42.53 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

104.28 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

139.36 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1443.49 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1015.73 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

3211.41 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2305.74 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

13213.25 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

9207.43 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

3194.85 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

3.46 %

Cost of Living in Paris, France Overview

Welcome! Here’s a guide to understanding the typical costs of living in Paris, France , from dining out and groceries to housing and utilities. Use this overview to help plan your budget and make informed decisions about living expenses.

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 16.28 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 70.55 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.51 USD, a loaf of bread 1.96 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 4.69 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 2.28 USD and a monthly pass around 91.28 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 218.75 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 41.7 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 17.75 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 883.71 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 14924.64 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 100.4 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 104.28 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 1443.49 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 1015.73 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 13213.25 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 9207.43 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 3194.85 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 3.46% annually.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Paris, France

What is the monthly cost of living in Paris?

The monthly expenses for living in Paris come to a total of approximately $3532. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1443 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $235 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1151 per month.

How affordable is living in Paris?

Living in Paris appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3194.85. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Paris, you would likely need an income exceeding $3194.85.

What is the average salary in Paris?

In Paris, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3194.85, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Paris?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Paris is approximately $1443. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1015.73 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Paris?

The expense for groceries in Paris can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $857 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in France?

The cost of living in France can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout France.

Paris, France

How Safe Is Paris, France for Travel?

Warnings & Dangers in Paris, France

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The police are doing their best to make Paris a safe place to live and travel, but the number of tourists attracts a lot of pickpockets on the city’s streets. The overall risk is medium, but still, you need to remain cautious as in any other tourist destination in the world.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Pedestrians need to pay attention when crossing streets because drivers can be very aggressive in Paris. Cars can be even found in pedestrian-only areas. If you decide to come with your car, be aware that driving in Paris is dangerous and there are limited Parking spaces. When traveling by taxi, determine the price before getting in the taxi, since Paris taxi drivers to overcharge tourists. There might be some risk while taking public transport in Paris.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is the most common crime in Paris targeting tourists, so take care of your possessions, especially in trains, metro stations, and any popular tourist areas. You can protect yourself by having less than $100 in cash with you at a time and using your hotel room safe. Never leave your bags or valuables unattended because they might be considered a security threat and can be destroyed by security officials.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Except for a few avalanche risks and floods, there are not any more serious natural hazards in Paris.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Paris is a very safe city when the serous crime acts are in question, so the mugging and kidnapping risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

The high terrorist threat exists in the whole of Europe and in Paris too, since it is the most visited capital and a very attractive one to the terrorists. Due to recent terrorist attacks, Authorities advise people to STAY ALERT and follow their advice. Terrorism is special threat to British travelers and open spaces or demonstrations should be avoided since that attracts the Islamist terrorist group.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

A lot of scammers in Paris try to take advantage of tourists. The most famous tricks are “gold ring” tricks when somebody pretends to find a ring in front of you and demand money for it, fake petitions, groups of teenagers offering help with your luggage. Be especially aware around Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Even though Paris is safe for women travelers, when traveling alone, they should avoid areas around metro Les Halles, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, and Jaures particularly late at night and should stay in well-lit areas. Eye contact with a man is considered as an invitation to make advances.

Useful Information & Tips

credit_card

Visas

As in any other European country which belongs to the European Union, the visas are not required for stays under 90 days for the visitors that do not belong to the European Union, while the EU nationals are permitted to stay in the country as long as they want. A valid passport is a must.

currency_exchange

Currency

The official currency in France is the Euro. The ATMs should be used with care and you need to pay attention to your surroundings when you withdraw money. Paris is one of the very expensive capital cities.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Paris has a maritime climate. The winters are cool and summers are warm. In January, the temperatures are 6°C without frequent snow. Summers in Paris are warm and pleasant and that is the best part of the year to visit it.

flight_takeoff

Airports

There are many airport options when coming to Paris since you can use any of the international airports such as Aéroport de Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Aéroport de Bordeaux, Aéroport de Lille, Aéroport International Strasbourg, Aéroport Lyon-St Exupéry, Aéroport Marseille-Provence, Aéroport Nantes Atlantique, Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur, and Aéroport Toulouse-Blagnac.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance which will cover medical problems, theft, and loss of personal items is essential in any country, as well as in France. Travelers usually purchase travel insurance along with their plane tickets.

Paris, France

What about weather in Paris, France ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 44°F 46°F 53°F 59°F 66°F 72°F 76°F 76°F 69°F 61°F 51°F 45°F
Temp 40°F 41°F 46°F 51°F 58°F 64°F 68°F 67°F 61°F 54°F 46°F 41°F
Low 36°F 36°F 39°F 44°F 50°F 55°F 58°F 58°F 53°F 47°F 41°F 37°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 6°C 7°C 11°C 15°C 18°C 22°C 24°C 24°C 20°C 16°C 10°C 7°C
Temp 4°C 5°C 7°C 10°C 14°C 17°C 20°C 19°C 16°C 12°C 7°C 5°C
Low 2°C 2°C 3°C 6°C 10°C 12°C 14°C 14°C 11°C 8°C 5°C 2°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in France with Paris

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries