Cost of living in Paris
Paris, the capital city of France, is renowned for its rich history, culture, and as a global center for art, fashion, and gastronomy. Understanding the cost of living in Paris is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this iconic city.
The cost of living in Paris can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices and location within the city. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in 2024, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15.80 on average, with a range between $12.64 and $25.29.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $73.76, with prices ranging from $63.22 to $105.37.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.64, with a range between $10.54 and $14.75.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.27 to $9.48, imported beer $5.27 to $9.48, cappuccino $2.11 to $6.32, and Coke/Pepsi $2.11 to $5.27.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.05 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.40.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.05 and $4.21, with an average price of $2.02.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.11 to $6.32, averaging $4.81.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.90 to $5.06 per kg, while oranges range from $1.05 to $5.27 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.05 and $4.21 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.05 to $2.63 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.11 and $2.95.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced between $88.51 and $91.67.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.85 and $2.11 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.06, with a cost of $1.34 to $5.27 per km and $26.87 to $63.22 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $948.30 to $2107.33, averaging $1360.30.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $737.56 to $1580.50, averaging $1020.55.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2634.16 to $4214.66, averaging $3273.63.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1580.50 to $3160.99, averaging $2268.89.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $10536.64 to $15804.96, averaging $12713.29.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $7375.65 to $10536.64, averaging $8996.93.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $158.05 and $407.10, averaging $242.90.
- Internet - Internet services range from $21.07 to $47.41, with an average cost of $33.42.
Cost of Living Rankings
Paris ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in France. The cost of living indices for France are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in France, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Paris is known for its high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Renting in the city centre can be significantly more expensive than in the outskirts.
Transportation costs are relatively moderate, with public transport being a viable option for getting around the city.
Grocery prices in Paris can vary, with some items like local cheese and wine being more affordable compared to other cities.
Conclusion
Living in Paris offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern amenities, but it comes with a high cost of living. Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially for housing and dining expenses.
Despite the high costs, Paris remains an attractive destination for its lifestyle and opportunities. Understanding these costs can help in making informed decisions about moving to or living in the city.