Ibrahim Gardner
France is a dream destination for international students, offering top-notch education, a vibrant cultural experience, and stunning landscapes. From bustling cities like Paris to charming towns like Lille, the cost of living in France for international students varies based on location, lifestyle, and choices. On average, international students can expect to spend €800–€1,200 per month, covering essentials like accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities.
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What You'll Learn
Cost of accommodation
The cost of accommodation for international students in France varies depending on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation. On average, students can expect to spend between €150 and €800 per month on accommodation.
There are several options for student accommodation in France, each with its own price range. One popular option is student halls of residence, which typically cost around €200 per month, although in Paris, this option costs around €400 per month. Another option is to rent or share an apartment, which can cost between €400 and €700 per month, or €800 per month in Paris. In smaller French cities, it is possible to rent a small apartment for about €300 per month. For students with families, the price of rent will range from €700 to €1,000 per month, and possibly more if the apartment is located in the city centre.
There are also other options for accommodation that may be more affordable for international students. For example, the CROUS organisation offers housing for students, and there is also the option to apply for the CAF housing subsidy. Additionally, international students have access to VISALE, a programme that acts as a guarantor and covers rent costs if the student is no longer able to pay. The VISALE programme is only available for international students who rent an apartment or room in a university residence.
It is important to note that the cost of living in France, including accommodation, can be significantly higher in larger cities such as Paris, compared to smaller cities or rural areas. Additionally, utility bills can add another 10% to monthly expenses, with electricity costs being around €0.2317 per kW, and internet starting from €20 per month. Water bills are usually provided based on a fixed annual contract, with average monthly costs of around €35-45.
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Utilities and health insurance
The average monthly cost of living in France for international students is between €800 and €1,200, covering essentials like accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities. This cost can vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation. Paris, for instance, is known for its higher cost of living compared to smaller cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Toulouse.
Utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet, contribute to monthly expenses and should be factored into your budget. While exact prices vary, a single person can expect to spend around €150-€250 per month on groceries in Paris, with prices being lower in other parts of the country. Dining out is relatively affordable, with meals in inexpensive restaurants costing around €10-€15, and coffee ranging from €2-€4.
Regarding health insurance, all international students studying in France for three months or more are required to register for French social security coverage. This provides partial coverage for healthcare expenses, including doctor visits, medical check-ups, and medicine. The cost of social security is approximately €200, and it is recommended to have additional healthcare coverage, as social security does not reimburse 100% of expenses.
Complementary health insurance, or "mutuelle," can be purchased to increase reimbursement amounts. This typically costs between €6 and €50 per month, depending on the chosen coverage and provider. Some popular student insurance providers include LMDE, MEP, MGEN, SMERRA, and SMENO. It is advisable to have valid temporary insurance when arriving in France to cover any emergencies while completing the necessary administrative procedures for long-term coverage.
It is worth noting that students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and do not need to register for French Student Social Security. This card provides access to healthcare in France and is valid until the end of the academic year. With the EHIC, medical fees are reimbursed up to 60%, and you can choose to subscribe to complementary insurance to further increase reimbursements.
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Groceries and eating out
The cost of living in France for international students varies depending on location, lifestyle, and choices. While cities like Paris are known for their higher expenses, smaller cities such as Lille, Bordeaux, and Toulouse offer a more affordable lifestyle.
Groceries in France are considered affordable, with prices varying depending on the city and your personal habits. In Paris, a single person can expect to spend around 250–300 EUR/month on groceries, or less in other provinces. Across France, the average monthly food expenses are around 300 EUR, with some sources suggesting a range of 150–400 EUR/month. Popular supermarkets include Carrefour, Monoprix, and Lidl.
Dining out in France can vary in cost. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs between 10 and 15 EUR, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between 25 and 40 EUR. Eating out occasionally at cafés or bistros is considered part of the French cultural experience.
There are also opportunities to eat out affordably. CROUS, an organization that helps students, has restaurants where you can eat for less than 5 EUR.
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Travel and sightseeing
France is a dream destination for international students, offering top-notch education, a vibrant cultural experience, and stunning landscapes. The cost of living in France varies depending on location, lifestyle, and choices. Paris, for example, is known for its higher expenses, while smaller cities such as Lille, Bordeaux, and Toulouse offer a more affordable lifestyle.
Public transport is widely used in France, with monthly passes costing between €30 and €70. In Paris, an annual transit subscription at the student rate is €374.40, while outside of Paris, it is between €250 and €300. Bicycle rentals are also available, with rates varying depending on the city, and yearly subscriptions are usually from €10 to €20 per month.
If you plan to travel a lot within France, consider purchasing an international youth travel card, which can get you major discounts on sights around the country.
Food is relatively affordable in France if you shop smartly or cook at home. Monthly grocery expenses are estimated to be between €150 and €300, depending on your city and personal habits. Dining out occasionally at cafés or bistros adds to the cultural experience and typically costs between €10 and €15 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost between €25 and €40.
Entertainment and cultural activities vary considerably in price, but there is something for everyone and every budget. You will often get discounts and special rates when you show your student card or if you are under 25.
Some other expenses to keep in mind include utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet, which contribute to monthly expenses. For example, Wi-Fi internet usually starts from €20 per month, and water bills are normally provided based on a fixed annual contract, with an average monthly cost of around €35 to €45 for a couple.
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Tuition fees
In addition to tuition fees, there are other costs to consider. The French government advises that a single person will need at least €1,800 per month to live comfortably in France, with €1,100 being the minimum for Paris specifically. The cost of living in France per month varies depending on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation. On average, international students can expect to spend between €800 and €1,200 per month, covering essentials like accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities.
Accommodation is one of the largest expenses for students in France, with options including on-campus housing, private rentals, or shared apartments. On-campus housing typically costs between €150 and €400 per month, while private rentals range from €400 to €800 per month. Shared apartments are a more affordable option, costing between €300 and €600 per month. Paris is an exception, with higher accommodation costs, ranging from €400 per month for student residences to €700 per month for shared apartments.
Other monthly expenses include groceries, which average at €150-€300 per month, depending on the city and personal habits. Dining out is more expensive, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around €10-€15, and a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant ranging from €25-€40. Transportation is another significant cost, with monthly public transport passes ranging from €30-€70. Students can also benefit from discounted rates on transportation, such as an annual transit subscription in Paris at the student rate of €374.40.
Health insurance is another essential cost, ranging from €20-€50 per month, while books and learning materials average €50 per month. Social security is mandatory for foreign students studying in France, costing around €200. This provides coverage for illness and hospitalization, but it does not reimburse 100% of the costs, so additional healthcare coverage is recommended.
Overall, the cost of living in France for international students varies based on location, lifestyle, and choices. While Paris and other large cities tend to be more expensive, smaller cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Toulouse offer a more affordable lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of living in France for international students varies depending on location, lifestyle, and type of accommodation. On average, international students can expect to spend €800–€1,200 per month, covering essentials like accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities.
Here are some tips to save money as an international student in France:
- Opt for CROUS housing, which offers restaurants with meals for less than €5.
- Use public transport, with monthly passes or student discounts.
- Take advantage of the numerous discounts with your student card.
- Shop at supermarkets like Carrefour, Monoprix, and Lidl.
- Cook at home instead of dining out.
Accommodation costs for students in France can range from €150-€800 per month depending on the type of housing. Food costs can be around €150-€300 per month for groceries, while dining out can cost €10-€40 per meal. Transportation costs vary depending on the city, with monthly passes ranging from €30-€70. Health insurance can cost €20-€50 per month, and you will also need to subscribe to an additional healthcare cover (student mutual fund) for €6-€50 per month.
