A look at the monthly expenses you can expect as a student in France

If you’re an international student, it’s important to understand and manage your budget. This guide explains the typical monthly expenses you’ll have while studying in France, so you can plan and prepare for your stay.

How much do students need each month to live in France?

Most students need between €800 and €1,500+ each month to cover basics like housing, food, and transportation. Housing is the biggest expense, and your lifestyle will strongly affect your total budget.

Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly costs:

To get a more accurate estimate, use our Cost of Living Calculator

Key Takeaways

• Most students in France need €800 to €1,500+ each month for basic living costs like housing, food, and transportation.
• Paris and other big cities are usually more expensive than smaller towns.
• Housing is often the biggest expense, from €200 to €500 for CROUS rooms up to €1,200 for private apartments in large cities.
• Food costs average €150 to €300 per month, with higher prices in Paris.
• Public transportation costs about €90 per month in Paris and €40 to €70 in other cities. Student discounts are widely available.
• Basic student health insurance is free, but extra coverage (mutuelle) costs €25 to €40 per month.
• Phone and internet plans are affordable, starting at €8 to €10 per month for mobile and €20 to €40 per month for internet.
• Plan to spend €100 to €200 per month on cultural and leisure activities. Student discounts and free events are common.

Monthly Expenses

Housing

Housing is usually the biggest expense for students in France, and costs can vary a lot depending on the city and the type of place you choose.

Here are the most common housing options for international students:

CROUS

CROUS is a French public organization that offers affordable housing, meals, and financial support to students. CROUS accommodations are usually the cheapest option, with single rooms costing €250 to €350 per month, and small studios with a private kitchen and bathroom costing €300 to €500 per month. Prices depend on the location, and spots are limited because demand is high. You usually need to apply between January and May 31 for the next academic year.

Shared Housing

Many students choose to live in a shared house because it’s more affordable than renting a private apartment. It’s also a good way to meet other French or international students and enjoy a diverse environment. Renting a room in a shared flat usually costs between €400 and €700 per month.

Shared housing is often the cheaper choice:

• €600 per room in Paris
• €500 in Lyon
• €450 in Bordeaux
• €400 in Marseille

Studios & Private Apartments

If you want more independence and privacy, you’ll pay between €500 and €1,500+ per month. Prices are higher in cities like Paris.

For example: A student studio can cost:

• €800+ in Paris
• €700 in Lyon
• €550 in Marseille

To book accommodation online, visit our page: Student Accommodation in France

Groceries

On average, students spend €180 to €330 per month on groceries.

In Paris, you’ll probably spend about €200 to €300 per month. In other regions, it’s usually €150 to €200. Prices for everyday items can vary a lot depending on where you are. For example:

• 1 baguette: €1.20 in Paris and €0.90 elsewhere
• 12 eggs: €2.80 in Paris and €1.95 in other regions
• 1 kg of rice: €2.10 in Paris and €1.70 in smaller towns

Transportation

Monthly public transport costs depend on the city. In Paris, a standard monthly pass is about €90. In other areas, it’s usually €40 to €70 per month.

Most French cities offer reduced fares or discounted monthly passes for students. You’ll usually need to show your student ID or proof of enrollment to get these discounts.

Healthcare

If you’re in France on a student visa, you can get French health insurance for free. It usually covers about 60% of your medical costs. To cover the rest, you can buy extra insurance, called a mutuelle, which costs between €25 and €40 per month.

Cell Phone & Internet

You’ll probably pay less for phone and internet in France than you do in your home country. French providers offer very competitive and affordable plans:

• Internet: €20 to €40 per month for private housing. Some student residences include internet in the rent, so check before signing up for a separate plan.
• Cell phone: €2 to €30 per month for a plan with unlimited data, calls, and texts. Online providers like RED by SFR, B&You, and Sosh offer plans with unlimited or large data amounts for about €8 to €12 per month. The main providers such as Orange, SFR, and Bouygues are more expensive, usually €20 to €40 per month, but you get better customer service, physical stores, and often extra perks like TV or roaming.

Here’s a quick look at the main operators and their price ranges:

Entertainment & Activities

Leisure costs depend on the city, especially when comparing Paris to other regions. Here are some average prices:

• Movie theater: Standard ticket is around €10–€15 and the ticket with student discount is around €7–€10
• Museum tickets: Museum entry fees vary more significantly depending on the institution. Most museums charge between €10 and €18, although many national museums offer free entry to EU residents under 26. However, there are important exceptions. The Louvre Museum has recently introduced differentiated pricing: non-EU visitors now pay approximately €32, while EU residents benefit from reduced rates or free access depending on age and status. This makes it one of the most expensive museums in France for international visitors. Another major museum, the Musée d’Orsay, charges around €16 for standard admission.
• Swimming pool: €3.50 (full price) or €2 (reduced) in Paris; €1.50 to €3 in other areas
• Theater tickets: Start at around €10 in Paris

It’s reasonable to budget €100 to €250 per month for entertainment and cultural experiences. Many places offer student discounts, and there are also lots of free activities. For example, many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month.

For more information, tips, and resources about studying and living in France, check out our Student Resources and visit our Go! Go! France blog.