- Toulouse offers one of France’s most budget-friendly student living experiences at €800–1,200 per month.
- Paris provides Europe’s largest business hub for internships, while Lyon specialises in biotechnology and Toulouse dominates aerospace engineering opportunities.
- Accommodation forms the largest expense category in France, ranging from €400-700 monthly in Toulouse to €600-1,200 in Paris.
France is now home to 443,500+ international students, including over 10,000 Indian students who’ve chosen it for its global degrees and affordable education. But choosing France is only the first step—the real question is choosing the right French city.
Some students imagine studying under the lights of Paris, others picture the artistic calm of Lyon, and many fall in love with the youthful atmosphere of Toulouse. Each city offers a different balance of cost, culture and opportunity.
In this blog, we compare these three French cities across essential factors such as cost of living, top french universities and student benefits, helping you decide which city matches your goals.
Cost of Living in France: Paris vs Lyon vs Toulouse
Monthly expenses vary dramatically between these three cities, with accommodation forming the largest expense category. Understanding these differences helps students budget effectively and avoid financial stress during their studies.
Paris typically requires €1,200-1,800 (₹1.24L-₹1.86L) monthly, making it the most expensive option. Lyon offers moderate costs at €900-1,400 (₹93,200-₹1.45L) monthly, whilst Toulouse stands out as the most affordable at €800-1,200 (₹82,800-₹1.24L) monthly.
| Expense Category | Paris (Monthly) | Lyon (Monthly) | Toulouse (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €600-1,200 (₹62,100-₹1.24L) | €450-800 (₹46,600-₹82,800) | €400-700 (₹41,400-₹72,500) |
| Food & Groceries | €250-400 (₹25,800-₹41,400) | €200-350 (₹20,700-₹36,200) | €180-300 (₹18,600-₹31,000) |
| Transportation | €32.70-88.80 (₹3,387-₹9,198) | €32.50-74.10 (₹3,366-₹7,676) | €10.20-58 (₹1,056-₹6,008) |
| Utilities | €80-120 (₹8,287-₹12,400) | €60-90 (₹6,215-₹9,320) | €50-80 (₹5,179-₹8,287) |
| Personal Expenses | €150-200 (₹15,500-₹20,700) | €130-180 (₹13,400-₹18,600) | €120-160 (₹12,400-₹16,500) |
| Total | €1,200-1,800 (₹1.2L-₹1.8L) | €900-1,400 (₹93,200-₹1.4L) | €800-1,200 (₹82,800-₹1.2L) |
Paris: The Capital City Experience
Paris offers unmatched academic prestige, cultural richness, and global networking opportunities that attract ambitious students worldwide. The city hosts France’s highest concentration of top-ranked universities and research institutions across diverse fields.
Living costs remain high, but student housing options through CROUS provide affordable alternatives at approximately €400 (₹41,400) monthly. The comprehensive metro system connects all corners efficiently, with student transport passes available through the Imagine R card at €392.30 (₹40,600) annually for students under 26.
Top Universities in Paris
| University Name | QS World University Rankings 2026 | Popular Degree Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) | #28 | - Master in Computer Science - Master in Cognitive Sciences - Master in Life Sciences (IMaLis) |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | #41 | - Master of Science in Applied Mathematics - Master in Data Science - Master of Engineering |
| Université Paris-Saclay | #70 | - Master in Physics - Master in Mathematics and Applications - Master in Materials Science |
| Sorbonne University | #72 | - Master in Computational Mechanics - Master in High Performance Computing - Master in Mathematics and Applications |
| Université Paris Cité | #300 | - Master in Health Sciences - Master in Biomedical Sciences - Master in Public Health |
Benefits of Studying in Paris
- World-class museums with free or discounted student entry including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
- Extensive metro and RER network providing excellent connectivity across the capital
- Countless internship opportunities with multinational corporations in Europe’s largest business hub
- Vibrant international student community with year-round cultural events and academic conferences
Lyon: The Gastronomic Capital
Lyon is one of the best cities to study in France that balances affordability with excellent academic standards and quality of life. France’s second-largest city offers strong industries in biotechnology, software, and pharmaceuticals.
The city’s compact size allows students to walk or cycle easily, reducing transport costs significantly. Lyon’s location provides easy access to the Alps for winter sports and the Mediterranean coast for summer breaks within a few hours.
Top Universities in Lyon
| University Name | QS World University Rankings 2026 | Popular Degree Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | #205 | - Master in Biology - Master in Fundamental and Applied Mathematics - Master in Computer Science |
| INSA Lyon | #406 | - Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering - Master in Mechanical Engineering - Master in Computer Science and Telecommunications |
| Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 | #587 | - Master in Pharmacy - Master in Biomedical Sciences - Master in Chemistry |
| Université Lumière Lyon 2 | #1001-1200 | - Master in Social Sciences - Master in Applied Languages - Master in Arts and Culture |
| Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 | #1201-1400 | - Master in Business Law - Master in Economics and Management - Master in Political Science |
Benefits of Studying in Lyon
- Lower rent costs compared to Paris with CROUS accommodation at approximately €200 (₹20,700) monthly
- Student transport pass TCL Campus at €32.50 (₹3,366) monthly for unlimited travel for students aged 18-27
- Strong culinary scene with affordable student restaurants called bouchons serving traditional meals
- Regular cultural festivals including the famous Fête des Lumières in December with free entertainment
Toulouse: The Aerospace Hub
Toulouse combines affordability with cutting-edge industries, particularly in aerospace and aviation sectors where Airbus headquarters operate. The city’s southern location provides warmer weather and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere compared to northern cities.
Student discounts apply widely across restaurants, cinemas, and cultural venues throughout the city. The city’s compact layout and excellent cycling infrastructure make it easy to explore without spending heavily on transport costs.
Top Universities in Toulouse
| University Name | QS World University Rankings 2026 | Popular Degree Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Université Paul Sabatier (Toulouse III) | #587 | - Master in Engineering Sciences - Master in Computer Science - Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| Université Toulouse 1 Capitole | #1201-1400 | - Master in Business Law - Master in Economics - Master in Management and Administration |
| Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès (Toulouse II) | #1201-1400 | - Master in Modern Languages - Master in Psychology - Master in Arts and Humanities |
| ISAE-SUPAERO | Engineering-focused | - Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Master in Aviation and Air Transport |
| TBS Education | Business-focused | - Master in Management - Master in Finance - Master in Digital Marketing |
Benefits of Studying in Toulouse
- Most affordable major French city with excellent value across all expense categories
- Student transport pass Tisséo at €15.50 (₹1,605) monthly for unlimited access for students under 26
- Strong job market in aerospace, IT, and engineering with Airbus, Thales, and Capgemini actively recruiting
- Proximity to Pyrenees mountains and Spanish border enables affordable weekend adventures
Cost of Studying Masters in France
France’s public universities receive substantial government subsidies, with the state covering the majority of education costs. This makes them significantly more affordable, with standardized tuition fees set by the government for all public institutions across the country.
Private institutions, particularly business schools and grandes écoles, operate independently with minimal state funding. They set their own tuition fees, which vary widely depending on the institution’s prestige, program specialization, and facilities.
City-Wise Masters Program Costs in France
| City | Public Universities (Annual Fee) | Private Universities / Business Schools (Annual Fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | €3,770/year (₹3.9 lakh/year) | €15,000 – €53,200/year (₹15.5 – ₹55 lakh/year) |
| Lyon | €3,770/year (₹3.9 lakh/year) | €6,000 – €25,000/year (₹6.2 – ₹25.9 lakh/year) |
| Toulouse | €3,770/year (₹3.9 lakh/year) | €8,000 – €20,000/year (₹8.2 – ₹20.7 lakh/year) |
Key Takeaways
Your choice between Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse depends on personal priorities including budget constraints, field of study, and lifestyle preferences. Paris suits students prioritising prestige and global connections despite higher costs, offering access to Europe’s top-ranked universities.
Lyon offers the best middle ground with quality education, reasonable expenses, and strong industry connections in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Toulouse appeals to budget-conscious students interested in aerospace, engineering, or those seeking a relaxed southern French lifestyle with the lowest living costs among the three cities.
Each city offers unique advantages, so align your decision with your academic goals, financial situation, and the type of student experience you envision for your master’s journey in France.
Your French education journey deserves expert guidance every step of the way. AdmitX stands with you from university shortlisting to visa approval, bringing your study-abroad dreams to reality. Our end-to-end services include:
- University Selection Guidance
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- Study-Abroad Document Templates
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FAQs
What is the cheapest French city for Indian students among Prais, Lyon and Toulouse?
Toulouse offers the lowest living costs at €800–1,200 monthly with strong aerospace industry connections.
How much do public universities charge for master's programmes in France?
Most public universities charge €3,770 annually for non-EU international students across all French cities.
Which French city provides the best balance between cost and university rankings?
Lyon offers moderate expenses at €900–1,400 monthly with highly ranked institutions and strong industry links.
What are the average accommodation costs for students in Paris?
Paris accommodation ranges from €600–1,200 monthly, with CROUS student housing available at approximately €400.
Which French city is best for aerospace engineering students?
Toulouse hosts Airbus headquarters and ISAE-SUPAERO, offering direct industry access and specialised aerospace programmes.
Can Indian students work part-time whilst studying in France?
International students may work up to 964 hours annually, which is roughly 20 hours per week during their studies.
Are scholarships available for Indian students pursuing master's degrees in France?
Yes, the Charpak Master’s Scholarship and Eiffel Excellence Scholarship programmes are available for Indian students.
What is the typical duration of master's programmes at French universities?
Yes, spouses of EU Blue Card holders receive unrestricted work authorisation without requiring separate employment approval.
Do French universities require GRE or GMAT scores for master's admissions?
Most French public universities do not require standardised tests, though top business schools often mandate GMAT scores.
Can students extend their stay in France after completing their master's degree?
Graduates receive an automatic 12-month APS (temporary residence permit) to seek employment, renewable once for a total of 24 months.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
