Want to study in France and wondering how much you need to spend on average each month? We’ve made an estimate for you here. Here are some guidelines to set your monthly budget according to your expenses: accommodation, food, going out… Be aware, this is just an average!
Also read: Studying in France: Tuition Fees
Your accommodation, 50% of your monthly expenses
If you live in a Crous university residence, the rent will not be very high: about €250 to €350 depending on the size (minimum 9m²) and the location. But if you’re not that lucky, prices can rise quickly: while you can find a studio for €350 or €400 in the provinces, it’s hard to find one for less than €800 in Paris (around €600/650 for a maid’s room).
Also read: Student, find accommodation.
Meals, you have to eat well, but this is 23% of your monthly budget
A restaurant ticket costs €3.25 (2017-2018 rates), so including dinner, breakfast, and weekends, you should manage with around €200 to €300, even less if your “resto U” is open in the evening. Student solidarity groceries are on the rise, a good way to eat cheaply.
Public transport, 3% of your monthly budget
Depending on the city and distances travelled, the range can be very wide, from €15 to €50. For the Paris region, the price — now standardised — for the 2017 back-to-school season for the Imagine R passes is €350 per year (with €8 for administrative fees).
Phone and internet
It all depends on your appetite! With new low-cost offers, and if you don’t lose your phone every six months, you can manage for a reasonable price… €20 + €20 unlimited. If you are — and it often is the case — a smartphone enthusiast and heavy user, this budget may double.
Maintenance and hygiene: between €20 and €100 per month.
Miscellaneous (pharmacy, outings, books, clothes, going out, etc.)
The most variable part, of course! Let’s say if you’re reasonable, you can manage for €50 to €300 per month.
In summary:
So the average monthly budget for a single student ranges from €500 to over €1,500 per month. At least according to our calculations…
This explains why you need to have at least 47% of the gross minimum wage, i.e., €878/month (gross minimum wage in June 2026 ≈ €1,868) to obtain your long-stay visa or residence permit.
Beware of the first month at university: between registrations, health insurance top-ups, deposits and agency fees for accommodation, insurance, etc., this budget can quickly double or even triple.
Good news, there is no more social security registration to be carried out; however, health insurance top-ups, also known as student mutuals, still exist!
Also read: Studying in France: How to cut my monthly expenses?
Efuet. Atem
President-Founder, CEO World like Home
About World like Home
World like Home supports international students in their study projects in France. To learn more: https://www.world-like-home.com/