Living cost and expenses in France
France is a famous tourist destination and a popular study-abroad option. The living cost in France is unquestionably higher than in most other European countries. Paris is the costliest of the French cities. International students must begin planning their stay in France as soon as they obtain an acceptance letter from a French university. The average monthly living cost in France for international students in cheap locations like Metz, Toulouse, Lille, and Lyon is 500-1,000 EUR. On the other hand, the monthly living cost of France in expensive cities like Paris might range between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR.
Allow us to assist you as you plan on studying in France. On deck, let's learn more about France's living costs.
Cost of living in France
International students in France mostly have two alternatives for housing: on-campus housing in student houses or private off-campus housing in apartments or flats. France's average monthly living cost ranges from 400 EUR to 1,200 EUR. Students must give the following information to rent housing in France:
- Bank reference form from a French bank account
- A letter from your guarantor
- Identity certificates, work contracts, pay stubs, tax declarations, and other documents on your guarantee
The living cost in France for accommodation, facilities, clothing, and grooming are:
- In expensive areas of 900 square feet of space - 1629 Euros
- Monthly rent normal area - 1038 Euros
- Utilities for one month - 160 Euros
- Internet - 85 Euros
- 40-inch TV flat screen - 359 Euros
- Microwave 800/900 Watt - 121 Euros
- Laundry detergent - 8 Euros
- Cleaners hourly rate - 15 Euros
- A pair of jeans - 89 Euros
- I summer dress high street store - 36 Euros
- One pair of sports shoes - 90 Euros
- One pair of men's leather shoes - 115 Euros
- 1-liter gas - 1.47 Euros
- Public transportation ticket - 54 Euros
- Personal care - 40.19 Euros
- Grooming - 36.04 Euros
Food and Beverages
The living cost in France for food and beverages is a significant concern while staying in France. Food costs might easily exceed 300 EUR per month on average. An individual's interests and preferences mostly determine it. A lunch in the university's food court costs around 3.30 EUR. While purchasing coffee, croissants, baguettes, or other snacks daily might add roughly 70 EUR to your monthly budget.
Below is a list of essential food and beverages products with their typical prices:
- Basic lunchtime Menu - 17 Euros
- Croissant - 1.10 Euros
- Baguette - 1 Euro
- Combo meal in fast food restaurant - 10 Euros
- 1 Liter whole-fat milk - 1.17 Euros
- 12 Large eggs - 4.04 Euros
- 2 lb. Tomatoes - 2.9 Euros
- 16 OZ. of cheese - 7 Euros
- 1 kg apples - 2.73 Euros
- 1 kg Potatoes - 1.72 Euros
- 0.5 liters of domestic beer - 1.89 Euros
- One bottle of red table wine - 7 Euros
- 2 Liters Coca Cola - 1.99 Euros
- Bread - 1.16 Euros
Living Costs in France by Cities
Living cost in France boasts the highest standard in the World. The expensive Cities are Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, and Cheaper Cities are Lille, Grenoble, Metz, Limoges, Brest, Poitiers, and Caen.
The normal cost of rent starts at 700 Dollars per month. However, in main Cities like Paris, the rental cost can exceed 2000 to 3000 Dollars per month.
An adult student or a person has to spend 600 Dollars a meal a month, including groceries, meals, transportation, and entertainment in France.
The minimum hourly wage for monthly students in France is 9.76 Euros per hour. The cost of staying with a host family is between 200-800 Euros and on lease is 400-700 Euros for a single person.
Transportation costs in France
In France, there are various options for everyday travel, including public transportation, vehicle, or bicycle. Students like travel pass because they are frequently available at lower prices. The following are some of the most common types of transportation in France:
- A bus or tramway is the most common kind of public transportation.
- With 14 lines, the Paris metro is one of the World's most extensive.
- Metro lines are also accessible in five more French cities: Lille, Marseille, Toulouse, Rennes, and Lyon.
- A single metro ticket is around 1.90 EUR.
- Self-service automobiles can also be rented through private channels such as the Citiz network or individuals such as Koolicar, Drivy, and others.
- Traveling between places in France is simply because of the 45 airports served by low-cost carriers.
- Taxis in France are trustworthy and safe, albeit the fares may be slightly more than in other countries.
The following table shows the mode of transportation and the average cost connected with it:
- Bus 5-90 EUR
- Self-service bikes 15-30 EUR
- Taxis 30 EUR
- Plane 69 EUR
- Train 50-79 EUR
- Car maintenance 145 EUR
Tips for surviving in France on Low Budget
The living cost in France is very high; here are some tips on how to survive in France on Low Budget:
- Tackle your major expenses first, which include housing rents and transportation costs
- Plan your meal and reduce your groceries bills
- Cut off unnecessary expenses
- Increase your income
- Take advantage of free events
- Don't forget to save
- Spend on small luxuries than more expensive items
- Avoid unnecessary card spending