France might appear at first to be an expensive place to live. But the cost of living in France is completely achievable for those who wish to live and study in France – as long as you do some preparation.
Use our cost of living calculator to estimate how much money you will need during your stay in France. Please note that these figures are estimates based on averages, and your actual cost of living will vary depending on your location in France, the school you attend, the duration of your studies, your accommodation, lifestyle, and spending habits.
Many students can reduce their living costs by obtaining part-time jobs, receiving housing allowances from the government, and gaining free access to France’s healthcare system.
As a general rule, the French government recommends students prepare at least 615€ per month. However, we always recommend students prepare as much more than this as possible.
Students typically need between €600 and €800 per month to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, and transportation.
Costs can vary significantly based on your location and lifestyle—living in Paris or other major cities is usually more expensive than in smaller towns or rural areas.
To get a more accurate estimate, use our Cost of Living Calculator
To apply for a long stay student visa, you must show proof of financial resources of at least €615 per month.
For a full year, this means showing a bank balance of at least €7,380 (not including tuition fees).
Accommodation costs vary depending on the city and type of housing you choose.
For example: A student studio can cost:
Shared housing is usually more affordable:
For current listings and to book your accommodation online, visit our page: Student Accommodation in France
Utility bills in France, including electricity, gas, water and internet, usually range between €150 and €200 per month.
The exact amount depends on your apartment size, location and personal usage.
Yes, one of the great benefits of having a long stay student visa is that you can apply for a housing allowance through CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales).
The amount you receive depends on your income, the type of accommodation, and the city or region where you live.
The amount you can receive depends on your income, the size of your accommodation, and its location. In general, students receive between €100 and €300 per month, but the exact amount varies based on your personal situation and eligibility.
You can check your eligibility and get an estimate here: CAF Housing Allowance
Yes, one of the great benefits of having a long stay student visa is that you can apply for a housing allowance through CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales).
The amount you receive depends on your income, the type of accommodation, and the city or region where you live.
Grocery costs vary depending on your location and lifestyle. In Paris, expect to spend around €200 to €250 per month. In other regions, the average is closer to €150 to €200.
Prices for common items can differ significantly between areas. For example:
Monthly public transport costs vary by city. In Paris, a standard monthly pass costs around €80.
In other regions, prices are generally lower, typically ranging from €20 to €35 per month.
Yes, most cities in France offer reduced fares or discounted monthly passes for students.
You’ll usually need to show a valid student ID or proof of enrollment to benefit from these offers.
Leisure costs vary by city, especially between Paris and other regions.
Here are some average prices:
Yes, students can often enjoy discounted or even free entry to many cultural venues.
Cinemas usually offer reduced ticket prices, and many museums provide free or discounted access for students.
For example, in Paris, students under 26 years old can access many museums and monuments for free by showing a valid ID or student card.
Thanks to government support, tuition fees in public universities are relatively low:
Private institutions, such as business schools, typically charge between €6,000 and €18,000 per year.
For language courses, prices usually range from €200 to €300 per week, depending on the school and course type.
Thanks to government support, tuition fees in public universities are relatively low:
Private institutions, such as business schools, typically charge between €6,000 and €18,000 per year.
For language courses, prices usually range from €200 to €300 per week, depending on the school and course type.
Yes, there are several scholarships available for international students in France. Although we don’t handle scholarship applications ourselves, we recommend checking with your local French embassy or Campus France office, as many scholarships are managed locally.
You can explore available options here: campusbourses.campusfrance