Living Expenses in France: Food, Accommodation and More
As an international student in France, you’ll need to consider a variety of costs, including tuition, housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Your overall budget will depend on your lifestyle and chosen city. While Paris offers world-class experiences, it comes with a higher price tag compared to cities like Nantes, Montpellier, and Grenoble.
France provides excellent education, a vibrant culture, and a reasonable cost of living. In this blog, we’ll break down the living expenses in France to help you plan your budget effectively.
Overview of Living Expenses In France
Here is the breakdown of the cost of entertainment, transportation, and accommodation in France for Indian students:
| Particulars | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 500 - 1,500 (INR 44K-1 Lakhs) |
| Food | EUR 250 - 300 (INR 22K-26K) |
| Transportation | EUR 50 - 100 (INR 4K-8K) |
| Entertainment | EUR 150 - 200 (INR 13K-17K) |
| Miscellaneous | EUR 100 - 200 (8K-17K) |
Living Expenses In Different Cities In France
Paris
As France’s capital, Paris commands premium living costs. Monthly expenses are notably high, particularly in housing where a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from €800-€1,200. While public transportation is efficiently priced at €35-€50 monthly, dining and entertainment costs reflect the city’s status as a global metropolis.
| Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | €800-€1,200 (INR 71K-1 Lakh) |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | €35-€50 (INR 3k-4k) |
| Food | €200-€350 (INR 17k-31k) |
| Attractions and Activities | €80-€150 (INR 7k-13k) |
| Total | €1,115-€1,750 (INR 99K-1 Lakh) |
Lyon
Lyon offers a more moderate cost profile than Paris. Housing is significantly more affordable, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from €500-€700. The city maintains reasonable costs for dining and activities while providing excellent public transport options starting at just €20 monthly.
| Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | €500-€700 (INR 44k-62k) |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | €20-€50 (INR 1k-4k) |
| Food | €200-€400 (INR 17k-35k) |
| Attractions and Activities | €50-€100 (INR 4k-8k) |
| Total | €770-€1,250 (INR 68k-109k) |
Marseille
This Mediterranean port city presents one of the more affordable options among major French cities. Monthly food expenses are notably lower at €100-€200, and rental costs remain competitive at €400-€900. The city offers good value for cultural activities and public transportation.
| Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | €400-€900 (INR 35k-80k) |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | €25-€50 (INR 2k-4k) |
| Food | €100-€200 (INR 8k-17k) |
| Attractions and Activities | €40-€80 (INR 3k-7k) |
| Total | €565-€1,230 (INR 50k-108k) |
Toulouse
The “Pink City” provides balanced living costs. Housing remains reasonable at €400-€800 for a one-bedroom apartment. While dining costs can vary widely (€150-€400), the city’s cultural activities are among the most affordably priced at €30-€70 per month.
| Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | €400-€800 (INR 35k-71k ) |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | €20-€50 (INR 1k-4k) |
| Food | €150-€400 (INR 13k-35k) |
| Attractions and Activities | €30-€70 (INR 2k-6k) |
| Total | €600-€1,320 (INR 53k-1 Lakh) |
Nice
The French Riviera city offers surprisingly moderate living costs. Housing is particularly competitive, ranging from €300-€700 for a one-bedroom apartment. While dining costs can be higher (€200-€450), the city maintains reasonable prices for public transport and activities.
| Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | €300-€700 (INR 26k-62k) |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | €20-€50 (INR 1k-4k) |
| Food | €200-€450 (INR 17k-40k) |
| Attractions and Activities | €50-€100 (INR 4k-8k) |
| Total | €570-€1300 (INR 50k-1 Lakh) |
Budgeting Tips for International Students in France
Here are some practical tips to help in managing living expenses in France for international students:
Government Assistance
- CAF Benefits: Explore the possibility of receiving financial aid from the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF). This government organisation offers various benefits, including housing allowances, to eligible students.
Smart Spending Habits
- Budgeting: Create a detailed monthly budget, tracking your income and expenses. Categorise your spending to identify areas where you can cut back.
- Cook at Home: Prepare your meals at home to save money on dining out. Buying groceries and cooking can be significantly cheaper than eating out regularly.
- Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts offered by various businesses, including transportation, museums, events, and software.
- Shared Accommodation: Consider sharing an apartment with other students to reduce housing costs. This can help you save on rent and utilities.
- Public Transportation: Opt for public transportation, such as buses, trains, or subways, to save on transportation costs. Purchase monthly passes for significant savings.
Additional Income
- Part-time Work and Freelancing: If your academic schedule permits, consider part-time work or freelancing to supplement your income.
Healthcare
- Student Health Services: Utilise the healthcare services provided by your university or college.
- Affordable Health Insurance: Research affordable health insurance options that meet your specific needs.
Health Insurance In France For Indian Students
All international students studying in France are required to have health insurance.
French National Health Insurance (Sécurité Sociale): Students enrolled in public institutions and under 28 must register for Sécurité Sociale. This provides basic health coverage but doesn’t fully cover all medical costs.
Complementary Health Insurance (Mutuelle): To cover the remaining medical expenses, students are strongly advised to purchase a mutuelle. This additional insurance helps cover costs like consultations, prescriptions, and hospitalisations.
The cost of health insurance can vary based on factors such as coverage level, insurance provider, and specific plan. On average, a mutuelle can cost between €200 to €600 annually.
Key Takeaways By AdmitX
France offers Indian students a fantastic opportunity for higher education. With affordable tuition fees, various scholarships, and a world-class academic setting, it’s an ideal place for personal and professional growth. By carefully planning finances, exploring scholarship options, and understanding the cost of living, you can confidently start this transformative journey. If you are planning to study in France then you can contact AdmitX for your help to make your journey successful.
FAQs
Is it really expensive to live in France?
While Paris is expensive, other French cities are quite affordable. Monthly expenses outside Paris range from €700-€1,500 (₹63,000-₹1,35,000), including rent, food, and utilities. Paris costs nearly double that.
Which are the cheap cities in France for international students?
Lille, Montpellier, Toulouse, and Nantes are student-friendly cities where you can live comfortably on €700-€900 (₹63,000-₹81,000) monthly. These cities offer great universities and vibrant student life.
What is the cost of living in France in Indian rupees?
Accommodation ₹45,000 – ₹1,35,000 , Food ₹22,500 – ₹27,000, Transportation ₹4,500 – ₹9,000 , Entertainment ₹13,500 – ₹18,000 , Miscellaneous ₹9,000 – ₹18,000.
What is considered high income in France?
A monthly salary above €3,500 (₹3,15,000) is considered high income. The median salary is €2,340 (₹2,10,600), and minimum wage is €1,747 (₹1,57,230).
Can students work part-time in France to cover expenses?
Yes! International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. The minimum wage is €11.52/hour (₹1,037), meaning you could earn around €920 (₹82,800) monthly working part-time. This can help cover about 40-60% of your living expenses outside Paris.
