What is a normal monthly budget for someone living in Paris

Housing

• Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world for rent. According to a 2021 report by Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is €1,344.12, and outside the city center, it's €935.18. Reference

• The cost of housing in Paris has been steadily rising in recent years. In 2020, rents in Paris increased by 0.7%, and the average price per square meter for an apartment in the city was €10,051.

• The most expensive neighborhoods in Paris for rent are the 6th and 7th arrondissements, which are both located on the Left Bank of the Seine. These areas are known for their luxury boutiques, art galleries, and historic landmarks.

• In addition to rent, tenants in Paris may also be responsible for paying additional fees, such as a security deposit, agency fees, and utilities. The security deposit can be up to two months' rent, while agency fees can be as much as one month's rent.

• It can be difficult to find an apartment in Paris, especially in the more desirable neighborhoods. Many landlords require tenants to have a French guarantor or to pay several months' rent upfront as a deposit.

• Some people in Paris choose to live in shared apartments or colocations, where they rent a room in a larger apartment and share common spaces with other tenants. This can be a more affordable option for those on a tight budget.

• Despite the high cost of housing in Paris, the city has a large public housing sector that provides affordable housing to low-income residents. In 2020, over 20% of the city's residents lived in social housing.

Food and Groceries

Food Options and Eating Out

• Eating out in Paris can be expensive, with the cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant ranging from €15 to €35 per person. However, there are also many affordable options, such as food trucks, street food, and takeaway shops.

• Paris has a vibrant food scene, and the city is home to many open-air markets, food halls, and specialty food shops. These offer a wide range of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other gourmet products.

• Paris is famous for its bakeries and patisseries, which offer a range of delicious bread, pastries, and desserts. A croissant can cost anywhere from €1 to €3, while a baguette can cost between €1 and €2.

• In addition to traditional French cuisine, Paris also offers a diverse range of international foods, such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Moroccan, and Lebanese. These can be found in ethnic neighborhoods throughout the city.

• Parisians typically eat three meals a day: breakfast (le petit déjeuner), lunch (le déjeuner), and dinner (le dîner). Many also enjoy a mid-afternoon snack (le goûter) or an aperitif before dinner.

• Wine is an important part of French culture, and Paris has many wine shops and bars. A glass of wine in a restaurant can cost between €5 and €15, while a bottle of wine in a store can cost between €5 and €20 or more, depending on the quality.

Groceries

• The most common places to buy groceries in Paris are supermarkets, small neighborhood grocery stores (épiceries), and outdoor markets (marchés). Supermarkets like Carrefour, Monoprix, and Franprix can be found throughout the city, while small neighborhood grocery stores tend to specialize in fresh produce and bakery items.

• Parisians tend to shop for groceries several times a week, rather than doing one big weekly shop. This is partly due to the fact that many Parisians have small refrigerators and kitchens, and therefore have less storage space for groceries.

• Some of the most popular foods in Paris include bread, cheese, charcuterie (cured meats), fresh fruits and vegetables, and wine. Paris is also known for its pastries and chocolates.

• The cost of groceries in Paris can vary depending on where you shop and what you buy. On average, a basic grocery budget for a single person could be around €250 per month. Prices for individual items can range widely, with a baguette costing €1 to €2, a pound of apples costing €1.50 to €3, and a wedge of brie costing €3 to €5.

• Many outdoor markets in Paris are open several days a week and offer a wide range of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other gourmet products. Some of the most popular markets include the Marché d'Aligre, the Marché Bastille, and the Marché Raspail.

• Many supermarkets in Paris offer home delivery or click-and-collect services, allowing customers to order groceries online and either pick them up at the store or have them delivered to their home. Delivery fees can vary depending on the store and the order size.

Transportation

• The cost of a single metro ticket (known as a ticket t+) is €1.90, while a book of 10 tickets costs €16.90. Tickets can be used on the metro, buses, and trams, and they are valid for 90 minutes from the time of validation.

• Paris also has a bike-sharing system called Vélib', which allows users to rent bikes from stations throughout the city. The cost of a daily Vélib' pass is €5, while a weekly pass costs €15.

• Taxis in Paris can be expensive, and fares are regulated by the city. The starting fare for a taxi is €2.60, and the cost per kilometer is €1.06. There is also a supplement for each additional passenger, and for rides to or from the airport.

• Paris has two major airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). Both airports are connected to the city by public transportation, including trains and buses. The cost of a one-way ticket from CDG to central Paris on the RER B train is €10.30.

• The Paris metro system has 16 lines and more than 300 stations, making it easy to get around the city. The metro runs from approximately 5:30 am to 12:30 am, and trains come every 2-3 minutes during peak hours.

• Paris also has a number of car-sharing and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and BlaBlaCar, which can be a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

Utilities

• The cost of gas for heating and cooking in Paris can range from €60 to €120 per month, depending on usage and the efficiency of your appliances.

• Water bills in Paris are based on usage, and the cost can vary depending on the size of your household and your water consumption. On average, a family of four can expect to pay around €40 to €50 per month for water.

• The cost of internet in Paris can vary depending on the provider and the speed of your connection. On average, a monthly internet bill in Paris can range from €20 to €40 per month.

• In addition to these basic utilities, some Parisians also choose to subscribe to additional services like cable TV, phone plans, or home security systems. The cost of these services can vary depending on the provider and the level of service you choose.

Entertainment

• Admission prices for museums and other cultural attractions in Paris can vary widely, from free to more than €20 per person. Some museums, such as the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

• Concert and theater tickets in Paris can also vary widely in price, depending on the venue, the performer, and the date of the performance. On average, you can expect to pay between €30 and €80 per ticket for a concert or theater performance.

• Dining out in Paris can be an expensive proposition, but there are plenty of affordable options available, from street food and cafes to neighborhood bistros and ethnic restaurants. On average, you can expect to pay between €10 and €20 per person for a casual meal, while a three-course dinner at a high-end restaurant can cost upwards of €100 per person.

• Movie tickets in Paris can range from around €8 to €15 per person, depending on the theater and the movie you choose to see.

Insurance

Health Insurance

Car Insurance

Home Insurance

Travel Insurance

Liability Insurance

Summary

Conclusion