- Indian students in France typically spend €800–€1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transport, and other essentials.
- Students can reduce housing costs by up to 40% by applying for CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), a government housing aid.
- Companies like Amgen, Illumina, Genentech, and Johnson & Johnson hire across specializations.
- Average Living Expenses in France: Quick Overview
- Essential Living Costs for International Students in France
- Living Expenses in Paris for International Students
- City-Wise Comparison: Cheapest Cities to Live in France
- Budgeting Tips for International Students in France
- Part-Time Jobs and Income
- Key Takeaways By AdmitX
- FAQs
Average Living Expenses in France: Quick Overview
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) |
Essential Living Costs for International Students in France
Housing is often the largest part of your monthly budget
Types of Housing Options
- University Dormitories: Cost between €200 and €450, highly subsidized and well-suited for students.
- Private Rentals: Can range from €500 to €1,500, depending on location and size.
- Shared Apartments: A popular choice that reduces rent and utility bills significantly.
CAF Housing Aid
International students can apply for CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), which provides housing subsidies that can lower your rent by up to 40%.
Food and Grocery Costs
If you plan to cook at home, budget around €150 to €200 per month for groceries. Chains like Carrefour, Lidl, and Auchan offer affordable items. Eating out occasionally can cost €10 to €20 per meal. Dining daily can significantly raise your cost of living in France.
Transportation Expenses
France has an excellent public transportation system.
Monthly Travel Passes
- Paris: €35 – €50
- Lyon: €20 – €50
- Marseille: €25 – €50
- Toulouse/Nice: €20 – €50
Using public transport is economical and safe. Students are eligible for special discounts.
Healthcare and Insurance
All Indian students must enroll in the French National Health Insurance (Sécurité Sociale), which is free for those studying in public institutions and under 28.
Mutuelle (Top-up Insurance)
It covers remaining medical costs like prescriptions and consultations. Average annual cost: €200 – €600.
Living Expenses in Paris for International Students
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) |
City-Wise Comparison: Cheapest Cities to Live in France
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) |
“These cities are popular for offering a good balance between affordability and quality of life, making them ideal for the budget for studying in France.”
Entertainment and Lifestyle
- Cinemas: €10 – €15 per ticket
- Museums: Many offer free access once a month
- Dining out: €15 – €25 at mid-range restaurants
- Subscriptions: Netflix, Spotify etc., ~€10/month each
Students can reduce living expenses in France by accessing cultural and social student discounts.
Budgeting Tips for International Students in France
1. Plan Your Monthly Budget
Break down your income and set spending limits. Use free budgeting tools like Spendee or YNAB.
2. Cook at Home
Avoid eating out frequently. Cooking can reduce your average living expenses in France drastically.
3. Apply for CAF Benefits
Reduce rent by hundreds of euros annually with this housing subsidy.
4. Share Your Accommodation
Sharing apartments lowers the rent and utility bills.
5. Use Student Discounts
Museums, transport, software, and even mobile plans offer special prices for students.
Part-Time Jobs and Income
Indian students can work up to 964 hours/year (around 20 hours/week). Popular part-time jobs:
- Retail or café work
- Tutoring
- Internships
- Freelance content or design
Earnings usually range from €8 to €12 per hour. This can help cover daily expenses in France comfortably.
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.
