The Student living costs in France
The overall living costs in France depends on your lifestyle, but it also greatly depends on where you reside, particularly in which French city.
Check the average budget you would need for each large city in France:
Paris: monthly budget of 1,200–1,800 EUR (sometimes including accommodation, if you choose to live in a student hall of residence)
Nice: 900 to 1,400 EUR per month
800–1,000 EUR for Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, or Toulouse.
For the rest of France, you can get by with less (at least 650 EUR).
Student accommodation costs
Accommodation costs are typically higher than the 200–300 EUR/month global average.
In France, the principal accommodation choices for students include:
Residences for students cost, on average, 200 EUR per month. The exception, at 400 EUR per month, is Paris. Student housing is where about 13% of international students reside. It’s one of the most well-liked options for student housing, but there are many more people who want it than there are places to put them.
A small flat can be rented for about 300 euros per month in minor French cities. Rent/share an apartment – between 400 and 700 euros per month (800 euros per month in Paris).
Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost between 700 and 1,000 euros per month if you live with your partner and/or children. The additional monthly cost for the utilities would be 200 EUR (electricity, water, and internet).
In Paris, you can find host families for as little as 200 EUR per month and as much as 800 EUR per month.
Additionally, available to international students is VISALE, a programme that serves as a guarantee. A guarantor is a person who guarantees they will pay your rent if you are unable to. However, only international students who rent an apartment or room in a university dormitory are assisted by the VISALE programme (student hall).
Food costs in France
French cuisine is delectable and complex, but, contrary to popular belief, it also tends to be pricey. That might be the case since the French seem to always be celebrating something while they eat, showing how much they value each and every meal. However, France as a whole has affordable food.
In Paris, a single person can anticipate monthly grocery costs of between 250 and 300 EUR, or less in the countryside.
A lunch typically costs between 10 and 15 euros in the least costly restaurants. The menus at upscale restaurants may cost more.
Bistros, brasseries, and creperies are more economical options where you can eat anywhere in France. A crepe, which costs between 5 and 8 EUR, can replace lunch at several bistros that serve substantial meals.
The finest bargain can be found at the supermarket; in France, Leclerc and Géant Casino are the two least expensive options. Buffalo Grill, the Courtepaille restaurant chain, and budget eateries like Michi in Paris are all accessible options for dinner.
Transportation costs
Typically, a monthly bus, subway, or tram pass costs between 30 and 75 euros.
In Paris, taxis cost about 1.50 EUR per kilometre, so a short trip would cost you between 7 and 10 EUR.
Bordeaux is France’s most bike-friendly city, and you can borrow a bike through the Vélib program.
For about 30 EUR each way, you can also go to other cities in France using the TGV.
Extra costs and savings
Depending on the coverage option, health insurance ranges in price from 20 to 50 euros per month. For students studying in France, find out more about international student insurance.
On average, books and other educational resources cost 50 EUR per month.
You can visit popular attractions in France at a significant discount if you purchase an international youth travel card.
The Numbeo website can be used to look for additional charges and prices in France.
