France is a popular destination for international students due to its academic excellence and prestigious universities. French universities are renowned for their high-quality education and also offer the benefit of education in both French and English.
Key takeaways
- France is a preferred higher education destination due to its prestigious universities and courses offered in both French and English. The cost of living is also affordable compared to Western countries, making it an ideal choice.
- An estimate of the overall cost of living can help you plan your monthly budget and avoid unexpected expenses. This ensures a smooth student journey without financial stress.
- Accommodation costs vary significantly based on the city. Paris could be expensive, while smaller cities like Nice may be more affordable. Furthermore, university residences are more affordable than private residences.
- Health insurance is mandatory and is provided free for students under 28. You can also choose private insurance provided by insurance firms and banks.
- You can manage your finances by choosing various student discounts, university housing, low-cost entertainment options, and more.
And there’s more to it – international students are also attracted to France for their higher education, as the living costs are affordable. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of living in France for international students, which can help you plan your monthly budget.
Why understanding living costs is essential for budgeting
While studying abroad, an important consideration is the overall expenses. This will help you plan your expenses and avoid overspending. Studying in France is an enriching experience of exploring new cultures and exciting places like Paris. To make the most out of it, managing your finances wisely is essential. Apart from your academics, you’ll find abundant opportunities for personal development.
As you explore academics and the other opportunities that the country has to offer, you’ll also need to keep your expenses within a reasonable limit. Without proper planning, expenses may add up and cause your monthly expenses to go beyond your budget. A realistic estimate of the average monthly expenses allows you to make informed decisions about housing, commuting, and more.
Table of Contents
- Why understanding living costs is essential for budgeting
- Average monthly cost of living in France
- Major cost categories you should consider
- Quick reference of major expenses
- City-wise overview of the cost of living in France
- Tips to save money for international students
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
Average monthly cost of living in France
The average monthly cost varies based on your location and study programmes. The overall monthly expenses can be around EUR 460 for most students.
The expenses also differ greatly among various cities. Monthly expenses in Paris may be around EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,800 per month. Smaller cities like Nice or Bordeaux are more affordable, and the monthly expenses here could be between EUR 650 and EUR 800.
Know more about the cost of living in France by talking to our experts!
Major cost categories you should consider
You can prepare a realistic budget only if you gain a breakdown of the expected possible costs for accommodation, food, transport, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses you should consider:
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in France can range between EUR 200 to EUR 300 per month. The actual expense will vary based on the choice of accommodation and its location.
Student halls of residence can cost up to EUR 200 a month. However, if you are taking up a residence in Paris, it could go up to EUR 400 a month.
Since the availability of residences is limited, many international students also choose private accommodations. If you rent or share an apartment, it will cost you between EUR 400 and EUR 700 per month. In smaller cities, it may cost only EUR 300 per month, while in Paris, the cost can be as high as EUR 800 per month.
Food & groceries
Food and groceries are another major item of cost. If you are living in Paris, on average, you can expect to spend anywhere between EUR 250 and EUR 300 per month for groceries. It will be lower in smaller cities like Toulouse and Lille. When you shop for groceries, keep in mind to select cheap supermarkets like Leclerc or Geant Casino.
France offers a wide choice of restaurants, both expensive and inexpensive. A meal from a less expensive restaurant can range between EUR 10 and EUR 15.
Note: You can have affordable meals from brasseries, bistros, and crepe stands. For instance, lunch from a crepe stand may cost you only EUR 5.
Transportation
Transportation costs may quickly add up if you are not careful in choosing affordable options. France has an excellent public transport system, which makes it easy for you to travel around safely and affordably. There are several options to choose like trams, buses, and metros, based on your needs.
You can select monthly transport passes for regular travel. The cost of a monthly transport pass differs between cities. In Paris, the Navigo card is provided for EUR 75. The monthly pass cost in Lyon is EUR 64 and in Toulouse it is EUR 50.
The monthly pass for metro, bus, or tram ranges between EUR 30 and EUR 75. There are other options, such as taxis, which can be rented for around EUR 1.50/km. If you are choosing a bicycle, you can rent one through the Velib bicycle programme, which costs around EUR 15 per month.
Healthcare and health insurance
Healthcare can be quite expensive in France, as doctors are allowed to charge as they see fit. So, to keep your healthcare costs within budget, approach conventionnés de secteur 1 (sector 1) doctors. Medical visits with doctors under sector 1 range from EUR 25 to EUR 37, depending on the specialisation. You can almost entirely get a reimbursement of the fee paid to these doctors through Social Security.
Note: Free check-ups are provided at university health centres.
Health insurance is mandatory for international students who are enrolled in a course that lasts more than 90 days.
You are eligible for free health insurance if you are 28 years or below and hold a valid study visa. In addition, you should not be holding any other European health insurance card.
If you prefer, you can also choose private health insurance that is provided by insurance firms or banks. There are several plans offered by these private service providers that can meet your diverse requirements. A private health insurance for students starts from EUR 200, while you can also get a top-up plan for EUR 50.
Utility costs
Your utility expenses will depend on your usage and also on the size of the accommodation you are living in. The utility bills cover electricity, gas, water, and other similar items. The monthly utility costs can range between EUR 80 and EUR 150. Internet bills can cost around EUR 25 to EUR 40 per month. There are several service providers in France offering fast internet services. You should compare the prices and plans to choose an affordable option.
These bills are included in the rent at many accommodations. So, when you choose an accommodation, check for inclusive bills that can reduce expenses on these items. In addition, while preparing the budget, factor in charges for heating, so that you are prepared for extra charges during the winter months.
Miscellaneous/personal expenses
France offers an exciting time for international students like you with a wide range of cultural and entertainment options. The prices you need to pay for the various recreational activities could differ considerably. However, if you choose wisely, you’ll find that there are numerous activities that are affordable and at the same time entertaining.
The price of a cinema ticket can range between EUR 5 and EUR 10. You can also get an unlimited cinema subscription for EUR 30 per month. A theatre ticket price can start from EUR 10. Swimming pools can be accessed with a discounted entry ranging between EUR 1.50 and EUR 3.
If you wish to keep your expenses on leisure and entertainment within budget, look for discounts or special rates that are offered for students. You can avail of such discounts if you hold a student card and are aged below 25.
Know more about the cost of living in France by talking to our experts!
Quick reference of major expenses
A quick overview of major expenses will give the right understanding of the overall cost you might incur for each item.
Check out the table below for an overview of the monthly expenses expected for major items.
| Average living cost | Monthly estimate |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 200 to EUR 1,800 |
| Food and groceries | EUR 250 to EUR 300 |
| Healthcare and insurance | EUR 25 to EUR 200 |
| Transportation | EUR 50 to EUR 100 |
| Utilities and internet | EUR 80 to EUR 150 |
| Miscellaneous/personal | EUR 100 to EUR 200 |
City-wise overview of the cost of living in France
Your cost of living in France varies considerably based on the city you choose to live in. While Paris is an expensive city, you will find smaller cities like Bordeaux and Lille more affordable. Hence, for realistic budgeting, you’ll need an overall estimate of the cost variations across different cities.
Check out the table below for an overall monthly cost-of-living estimate in different cities.
| City | Average monthly expense (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Paris | 1,200–1,800 |
| Lyon | 900–1,200 |
| Toulouse | 800–1,000 |
| Lille | 750–1,000 |
| Bordeaux | 850–1,100 |
Tips to save money for international students
Keeping your expenses under control during your student life in France needs smart planning. Once you understand the overall cost, you should prepare a careful and realistic budget. When you choose your accommodation, give the first preference to university residences as these are cheaper compared to private accommodation.
You can also apply for a CAF housing subsidy. This is provided to eligible individuals by CAF, a social security organisation and is available as a monthly housing allowance. Try utilising student discounts for transportation, entertainment, and more, using your student ID. You can also buy monthly passes to make your commute budget-friendly.
Final thoughts
As an international student in France, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow academically, personally, and professionally. However, it is essential to keep your expenses within budget so that you can ensure wise financial management. Get a realistic estimate of the expected expenses based on the city you choose to live in and your lifestyle.
There are several options you can choose to manage your finances. Always check student discounts and subsidies and utilise them to manage your living costs. Choose affordable supermarkets and other shopping options to reduce your food expenses. If you keep a check on your expenses and plan realistically, you’ll be able to manage your finances wisely.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum cost of living in France?
The minimum cost of living in France for international students will be EUR 460 per month. This will include accommodation, food, and transportation and can also vary based on your lifestyle and city.
Is France expensive for international students?
France is affordable for international students, provided you plan your finances wisely. The cost of living can be high in cities like Paris. However, you can plan realistically and reduce your expenses if you are living in smaller cities.
Can I work part-time to support myself?
France has a strong economy with plenty of job opportunities across various industries. You can work part-time during your studies to support yourself.
Is EUR 1,000 enough for a month in France for students?
Your monthly expenses in France will depend considerably on your lifestyle and location. In smaller cities, you can live comfortably on a budget of EUR 1,000 per month. However, this might go up in larger cities like Paris due to higher accommodation, shopping, and other charges.
Which cities are the most affordable for students in France?
There are several cities in France where international students like you can experience affordable living, such as Toulouse, Montpellier, Lille, Nantes, and Grenoble.
