Avail. April 1st, 2025
Ave. Philippe-Auguste – 33 m²
Whether you're dreaming of living in Paris for a month or considering a permanent move, understanding the city's expenses is key. Let’s explore how the price of living in Paris stacks up against other world-class cities like London, New York City, Berlin, San Francisco, Toronto, Amsterdam, Chicago, and Rome.
The average cost of living in Paris per month can range widely. Here's a breakdown for different demographics:
The cost of living in Paris starts with accommodation, and it’s no secret that Parisian apartments are charming but often compact. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €1,800–€2,000 per month, while a similar setup in the suburbs may cost €1,300. While more affordable than New York City (€4,000) or San Francisco (€3,500), Paris rents are significantly higher than Berlin (€1,300) and Rome (€1,400). For couples, the cost of living in Paris can range from €3,000 to €4,000, depending on location and preferences.
London's housing market is significantly pricier than Paris. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost upwards of €3,000, and a three-bedroom apartment averages €5,000, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods like Westminster or Kensington. This places London rents around 40–50% higher than Paris, depending on the neighborhood.
Accommodation in NYC surpasses Paris by a wide margin. A one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan averages €4,000, while three-bedroom options can cost €7,000 or more. Outer boroughs like Brooklyn or Queens offer marginally lower rents but remain pricier than Paris’s central neighborhoods.
San Francisco rivals NYC, with rents for one-bedroom apartments averaging €3,500 and three-bedroom apartments reaching €6,500. This tech-driven city has some of the steepest accommodation costs globally, far exceeding those in Paris.
LA's diverse neighborhoods bring varied price points, but central and desirable areas like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills push one-bedroom rents to €2,500–€3,000. Three-bedroom accommodations can range from €4,000 to €6,000, making LA slightly more expensive than Paris for similar-sized housing.
Toronto offers more affordable housing than Paris, with one-bedroom apartments averaging €1,800 in the city center and three-bedroom apartments around €3,200. However, the gap narrows for centrally-located properties.
Amsterdam's tight housing market drives rents close to Parisian levels. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €2,000, with three-bedroom apartments around €4,000. Both cities face challenges with limited housing supply and high demand.
Compared to Paris, Chicago is notably cheaper, with one-bedroom apartments in central areas averaging €1,600 and three-bedroom apartments at €3,000. While vibrant, Chicago's housing market is less competitive.
Rome offers the most affordable option among these cities, with central one-bedroom apartments priced around €1,400 and three-bedroom apartments at €2,800. These prices make Rome a more budget-friendly alternative to Paris, though with fewer modernized housing options.
Paris offers a delectable range of dining options, from budget-friendly bakeries to Michelin-starred establishments. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €21, and a quick sandwich or crepe is even cheaper. Grocery staples, such as fresh baguettes and locally made cheese, are affordable, with weekly shopping averaging €60–€80 for a single person. By comparison, dining out in New York City or London can cost 20–30% more, while Rome and Berlin offer slightly cheaper options.
When comparing food and drink costs in Paris to other major cities like Berlin, London, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, Amsterdam, Chicago, and Rome, Paris stands out as a middle ground — neither the most affordable nor the priciest option.
Public transportation in Paris is both efficient and affordable. A single metro ticket costs €2.15, and a monthly Navigo pass for unlimited travel is €84.10, covering metro, bus, tram, and RER lines. This makes the cost of living in Paris France reasonable for commuters, especially when compared to London’s £151 (€175) monthly pass or New York City’s $132 (€122) MetroCard. Berlin (€86) and Rome (€35) remain the more budget-friendly options in this category.
Living in Paris comes with cultural perks. Museum passes, outdoor picnics along the Seine, and free art exhibits offer budget-friendly entertainment. Monthly gym memberships cost around €45, and tickets for a cinema night hover at €13. This is similar to Amsterdam and Toronto but far cheaper than San Francisco or London, where leisure activities often come at a premium.
For those exploring living in Paris for a month, expect costs to average €3,000–€5,000 for accommodation, dining, and daily activities, depending on your lifestyle. Students, who benefit from discounts on transportation and cultural events, can enjoy cheap living in Paris with a budget of €1,200–€1,500 per month.
Despite its costs, Paris offers a lifestyle that blends convenience, beauty, and culture. From morning croissants in charming boulangeries to evening strolls along historic streets, living in Paris, France provides an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re working abroad, studying, or simply indulging in a Parisian adventure, the city’s value lies in its ability to combine affordability with timeless appeal.
Ready to embrace the magic of Paris? The cost of living in Paris might surprise you — not just for its expense but for the unforgettable experiences it delivers in return. For those balancing budgets and dreams, the City of Light is worth it - check out our Coco Community apartment listings here to start your Parisian dream as soon as possible
