I’ve always imagined that living in Paris would feel like being in a movie. Croissants in hand, the Eiffel Tower in the distance, and a faint accordion melody playing somewhere nearby, probably seeping through from a proposal ceremony of a young couple that’s about to promise to love each other forever.
How much would it actually cost to live in Paris? In this article, we’ll break down living costs in the city of light.
Rent in Paris isn’t cheap, especially if you’ve got your heart set on living near Montmartre or Le Marais. The closer you are to the centre, the more money you’ll have to part with. If you’re planning a long stay, it’s worth considering nearby suburbs like Saint-Denis or Boulogne-Billancourt for more affordable options.
Property prices here are among the highest in Europe. Most Parisians rent for years before considering buying a home. For those who do buy, it’s often a long-term investment rather than an immediate lifestyle upgrade. Central arrondissements, such as the 1st, 4th, and 7th, command staggering prices, while the outer neighbourhoods offer better value for buyers willing to commute a little further.
Apartment locationAverage costPrice per square meter to buy apartment in city centre€11,700Price per square meter to buy apartment outside of city centre€8,200
There’s a reason Paris is synonymous with food. You can start your morning at a corner café with a €2 espresso and a perfectly flaky croissant, and end your night at a bistro serving duck confit under dim candlelights. The city thrives on its culinary diversity, and if it could talk, it would boast loudly about the popularity it gets from its restaurants.
A casual lunch at a local brasserie costs about €16, while a three-course dinner for two might hit €50 or more. Street food and bakeries help keep things balanced, though, and if you’re comfortable exploring lesser-known neighbourhoods, you’ll find incredible meals at half the tourist price.
The rhythm of Parisian life often revolves around food shopping. Local markets like Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre are filled with chatter, colour, and the scent of ripe cheese or fresh baguettes. Groceries in Paris are pricier than in many other European cities, especially if you stick to big supermarkets. Cheese, meat, and imported items can stretch your budget, though you’ll find seasonal produce and local wine at surprisingly fair prices. Cooking at home is often the best way to balance taste and cost and is how most locals manage to live well without overspending. Since you’re going to be living like a local, maybe you should take a cue from them.
Few cities make getting around as efficient as Paris. The metro system is fast, punctual, and connects nearly every corner of the city. Cycling has also become popular, thanks to the city’s growing network of bike lanes and rental stations. If you prefer driving, you should know the streets are relatively narrow, and parking spaces are limited. Most residents ditch cars entirely, relying on public transport or the occasional taxi when they’re running late.
If you’re going to live here, you’ll need to learn the fine print of apartment life. Many older buildings have shared heating systems, and while that’s convenient in winter, it can increase your monthly bills. Electricity, internet, and water tend to be stable in cost, but expect fluctuations depending on usage and the building’s efficiency.
On the bright side, mobile and internet plans in France are among the cheapest in Western Europe. Providers like Free and SFR offer high-speed data at competitive rates, making remote work or streaming your favourite shows relatively hassle-free.
Parisians know how to have fun. Gym memberships and cinema tickets are moderately priced, but many residents prefer simple, free pleasures such as jogging. There’s always a cultural event, art exhibition, or music performance worth experiencing. Paris rewards curiosity, and you’ll never run out of things to do, no matter your budget.
For families, Paris offers excellent education options, but they, rather unsurprisingly, come at a premium. Public schools are free, but spots in bilingual or international institutions are limited and competitive. Private preschools can be costly, though they often provide smaller class sizes and flexible hours for working parents.
Many expat families choose to live in neighbourhoods near their preferred schools to simplify commutes and maintain routine. If you’re relocating with children, budgeting for childcare early is important.
Paris has a way of charming you into spending more than you planned — a coffee here, a museum ticket there — until your budget gets tighter than you ever intended. If you’re earning in foreign currency, you may even have less money to spend because those conversion fees only make it harder to keep up.
Grey solves this problem easily. You can open a multicurrency account, receive payments in multiple currencies, convert at competitive rates and spend locally in Euros. Make your life in Paris easy. Open a Grey account today and start banking across borders with confidence.
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