[If you are planning to live in Paris, you have to take into account your monthly budget. According to a ranking established by The Economist, Paris is one of the three most expensive cities in the world. But this doesn’t stop two million people from living in the French capital.
The average salary in Paris is around $4,295 (€3,940) gross per month, which amounts to approximately $2,948 (€2,704) after taxes. However, it’s possible to live in Paris on as little as $1,635 (€1,500) per month by opting for shared housing. Rent accounts for more than half of one’s expenses, while groceries make up about 25%.
Let’s now examine in detail the different monthly expenses.
The Rentals
Housing is undoubtedly the largest expense when living in Paris. Costs vary depending on the type of accommodation—whether it’s a house or an apartment, a studio or a multi-room flat, and whether it’s furnished.
Another significant factor affecting rent prices is the arrondissement of choice. For example, rent near the Eiffel Tower is substantially higher compared to other parts of the city. The most expensive district is the 6th arrondissement, while the 19th is among the cheapest.
Here’s a breakdown of average rents by housing type and size:
| Surface | Rent | |
| 1 room in a house | 12 m² | $788 (€723) |
| Studio | 22 m² | $1,007 (€924) |
| One-room apartment | 28 m² | $1,282 (€1,176) |
| 2-room apartment | 38 m² | $1,450 (€1,330) |
| 3-room apartment | 60 m² | $2,158 (€1,980) |
| More than 3 rooms | N/A | $3,052 (€2,800) |
According to Immobilier Le Figaro, the average rent in Paris is $40.33 (€37) per square meter. For a 2-room apartment measuring 30 sq m, this calculates to an average of $1,211 (€1,110) per month.
The following image is a Paris metro map overlaid with rental prices for two-room apartments (35 sq m) at each metro station. Each station is marked with a price, showing how rent varies across the city. The map is based on a study of 175,000 rental listings from 2022, providing a visual representation of rent distribution in Paris.
The Bills
In this section, we will examine the various utility bills associated with housing.
Electricity
The total electricity bill depends on the type of heating system, electrical usage, and your subscription plan.
For an individual using a gas heating system and water heater, along with an electric hotplate, the average annual bill is $702 (€643), which breaks down to about $59 (€54) per month.
However, if the heating system, water heater, and hotplate are all electric, the average annual bill rises to $1,167 (€1,070), or approximately $97 (€89) per month.
Important: In France, taxes on electricity are legally capped at 12%, except in Paris where the maximum is 13.2%. This higher rate in Paris can be attributed to its unique status as both a city and a department.
Water
The price of water in Paris changes annually on January 1st. In 2023, the cost was $4.36 (€4) per cubic meter (m³). This price covers only the production, supply, and sanitation of water, and does not include the subscription fee. In Paris, the water system is managed by a single company: Eau de Paris.
On average, each person in Paris consumes between 4,000 to 5,000 liters (4 to 5 m³) of water per month. Consequently, the average monthly water bill ranges from $17.44 to $22.89 (€16 to €21).
Internet
This bill is undoubtedly the most variable. Subscription options are diverse, including packages with or without a landline, mobile plans, WiFi or ADSL, and with or without TV services. Each option influences the final price.
Router prices typically range from $20.71 to $54.50 (€19 to €50), excluding any mobile phone plan. The average monthly internet bill is around $31.61 (€29).
By taking the time to compare offers based on your needs, you can significantly reduce this expense. The wide variety of available options has led to a decrease in prices, and mobile operators frequently offer special deals.
Transport
Car
To determine the cost of owning a car, you must consider maintenance, gasoline, insurance, and parking expenses.
According to BudgetBanque, the annual cost of a car in France ranges from $4,360 to $10,900 (€4,000 to €10,000), which translates to a monthly expense of approximately $362 to $905 (€333 to €833).
Public transport
Using public transport is often a faster and easier way to navigate Paris. There are various ticket options to suit different needs.
An annual subscription costs $1,037.44 (€950.40), which breaks down to $94.29 (€86.40) per month (spread over 11 months), while a monthly subscription is also $94.29 (€86.40). Reduced-price or even free tickets may be available for seniors, students, or those receiving social benefits.
For employees, it’s important to note that employers are required to reimburse 50% of the cost of your ticket.
Grocery Shopping
According to Le Monde, the average grocery basket in Paris costs approximately $136.62 (€125.29), translating to about $546.82 (€501.16) per month for weekly supermarket visits. The inflation on daily products in 2022 and 2023 has been more noticeable than the overall inflation rate.
Naturally, the cost can vary based on the types of products purchased, the brands selected, and the shopping locations. Supermarkets in Paris tend to be more expensive than those in the suburbs, and prices can vary significantly between different chains within the city.
Learn more: A Comparison of Supermarkets You Can Find in Paris
Housing Insurance
Housing insurance costs depend on the type of dwelling, the arrondissement of residence, and whether you are a tenant or an owner. Below is a chart showing the average insurance costs for a tenant in an apartment:
| Annual average | Monthly price | |
| Studio | $170.04 (€156) | $14.19 (€13) |
| 2-room flat | $206.01 (€189) | $17.44 (€16) |
| 3-room flat | $253.87 (€233) | $20.71 (€19) |
| More than 3 rooms | $330.27 (€303) | $27.25 (€25) |
To find the most affordable insurance policy, compare offers and prices using online comparators. Keep in mind that in 2023, prices are expected to increase by about 3%, primarily due to rising damages linked to climate change.
Local and Income Taxes
Income taxes are based on your earnings. Additionally, there are local taxes like the residence tax, which both landlords and tenants typically had to pay. However, starting January 1st, 2023, the residence tax has been abolished for primary residences.
The household waste collection tax is paid by property owners, but it may be included in the rental charges if you are a tenant.
Leisure and Cultural Activities
- Cinema: The average cost of a movie ticket is $13.63 (€12.50), but prices can vary by cinema and showtime.
- Museums: Entry fees for Paris’s famous museums average $16.35 (€15). Some museums offer free admission or reduced rates depending on circumstances, and some have free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
- Restaurants: Meal costs vary widely. A lunch at a budget-friendly restaurant averages $16.35 (€15) per person, while dinner at a mid-range restaurant is about $32.70 (€30) per person.
- Sports: Gym memberships range from $21.71 to $174.40 (€19.90 to €160) per month, depending on the facilities and membership type.
Monthly leisure budget for a single person:
| Activity | Cost Details | Average Price |
| Cinema | Price per ticket | $13.63 (€12.50) |
| Museum | Entry fee for famous museums in Paris | $16.35 (€15) |
| Free museums, reduced rates, free entry on the first Sunday of each month | Variable | |
| Restaurant | Lunch at a cheap restaurant | $16.35 (€15) per person |
| Dinner at a mid-range restaurant | $32.70 (€30) per person | |
| Sports | Gym membership | $21.71 to $174.40 (€19.90 to €160) per month |
The total estimated budget for leisure activities is approximately $141.70 (€130) per month. This assumes one cinema visit, one museum visit, two dinners out, and a mid-range gym membership.
Total of Monthly Expenses
Below is a breakdown of monthly expenses for a single person living in various types of rental housing in Paris, who uses public transportation and has a gas heating system:
| 1 room in a house | Studio | 1-room flat | 2-room flat | 3-room flat | 4 rooms and more | |
| Rent | $788 | $1,007 | $1,282 | $1,450 | $2,158 | $3,052 |
| Electricity | $59 | $59 | $59 | $59 | $59 | $59 |
| Water | $20.71 | $20.71 | $20.71 | $20.71 | $20.71 | $20.71 |
| Internet | $31.61 | $31.61 | $31.61 | $31.61 | $31.61 | $31.61 |
| Public transportation | $94.29 | $94.29 | $94.29 | $94.29 | $94.29 | $94.29 |
| Grocery shopping | $546.82 | $546.82 | $546.82 | $546.82 | $546.82 | $546.82 |
| Insurance | $14.19 | $14.19 | $14.19 | $17.44 | $20.71 | $27.25 |
| Leisure activities | $141.70 | $141.70 | $141.70 | $141.70 | $141.70 | $141.70 |
| Total | $1,695 (€1,555) | $1,943 (€1,782) | $2,230 (€2,045) | $2,415 (€2,215) | $3,248 (€2,980) | $4,248 (€3,895) |
Disclaimer: This chart is for informational purposes only and reflects average prices. It does not account for social benefits or potential discounts you might be eligible for.
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