Inside Paris on a Budget: Is it Possible?

My purpose of writing this content is to provide tips and advice on how to enjoy living in Paris on a budget, highlighting that while Paris can be expensive, there are many ways to experience the city’s offerings without breaking the bank.

Travel to any major city within the European Union and you can expect to see that the price of everyday essentials can be quite expensive. Paris is often considered to be quite expensive but many of those rumors have been somewhat exaggerated. In 2023, the Mercer Cost of Living Survey ranked Paris as the 35th most expensive city in the world. London ranked 17th, New York is 6th and Hong Kong holds the number 1 spot.  

Yes, Paris can be an expensive city to live in but if you know how to get around the city and get into a nice living in rhythm, you’ll soon discover that you can enjoy some of the best Paris has to offer without wiping out your life’s savings. 

The Best Things in Paris are Free

There is a lot to do and see in Paris that is not only inexpensive but some of these things can be enjoyed for free. While the best museum in Paris is the city itself with all of its iconic landmarks and historically stunning architecture, you can visit the museums for free if you visit on the right days. On the first Sunday of every month, the museums in Paris offer free entry. Many other places are free all year round so if you’ve always wanted to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur or the Musee Carnavalet, you can.

Affordable Transportation Options

While walking and biking are great free options, sometimes you need to cover more ground. The content could mention the affordable public transportation system in Paris, including the Metro and buses. Buying a Navigo pass can save you money if you plan on using public transport frequently.

• Metro: The Parisian subway system is extensive, efficient, and affordable. It’s a great way to get around the city quickly.
• Buses: Paris has a wide network of bus routes that can take you to various destinations across the city at a low cost.
• Navigo pass: This is a weekly or monthly pass that allows unlimited travel on the Metro, buses, and RER (commuter rail) within certain zones. It can be a cost-effective option if you plan on using public transport regularly.
• Vélib’: This is Paris’ bike-sharing system, with thousands of bicycles available at stations throughout the city. It’s an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around, especially for shorter distances.
• RER: The Réseau Express Régional (Regional Express Network) is a commuter rail system that connects Paris to its suburbs. It’s useful for traveling to destinations like Versailles or Disneyland Paris.
• Trams: Paris has several tram lines that serve the outer areas of the city. They’re a comfortable and affordable way to travel if you’re staying in or visiting these neighborhoods.
• Transilien: This is another commuter rail network that serves the Île-de-France region surrounding Paris. It’s useful for day trips or if you’re staying in the suburbs.

A Place for Most Budgets

One of the costliest expenses you’ll find in Paris is the cost of housing. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to move away from the center of Paris. The city is sectioned into areas known as arrondissements with the first one being in the center of the city and spreading outward in a spiral. From about the 12th arrondissement onward, you can find affordable rentals. The easiest way to find accommodation in your price range is to find a reputable online platform that allows you to select the filters to narrow down your search. You can choose from studio apartments or even shared housing. Do a little online research and you’re sure to find the right apartment for you.

Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods

The content mentions that moving further out from the city center can be more affordable, but it could provide some specific examples of budget-friendly neighborhoods to consider. Some areas to suggest might be Belleville, Oberkampf, or Montmartre.

• Belleville (20th arrondissement):
  • Average rent for a studio apartment: €800-1,000/month
  • Average price for a meal in a casual restaurant: €10-15
• Oberkampf (11th arrondissement):
  • Average rent for a studio apartment: €900-1,100/month
  • Average price for a meal in a casual restaurant: €12-18
• Montmartre (18th arrondissement):
  • Average rent for a studio apartment: €850-1,050/month
  • Average price for a meal in a casual restaurant: €10-20
• La Villette (19th arrondissement):
  • Average rent for a studio apartment: €750-950/month
  • Average price for a meal in a casual restaurant: €10-15
• Gambetta (20th arrondissement):
  • Average rent for a studio apartment: €800-1,000/month
  • Average price for a meal in a casual restaurant: €10-15
• Alésia (14th arrondissement):
  • Average rent for a studio apartment: €850-1,050/month
  • Average price for a meal in a casual restaurant: €12-18
• Ménilmontant (20th arrondissement):
  • Average rent for a studio apartment: €750-950/month
  • Average price for a meal in a casual restaurant: €10-15

Person Power

Would you like to know how you can see Paris without spending a cent? It’s easy. Put on some comfortable shoes and hit the pavement. Walking around the city is 100% free and it is one of the best ways to explore your new surroundings. If you need to go a little further out you can always grab a bicycle and pedal around the city. Either way, you’ll be using your own energy which is free and great exercise. You won’t even need gym membership to stay fit so get out there and tour the city. 

Wine and Dine on a Dime

France has some of the best cuisines in the world and you’ll never find yourself running out of gastronomic choices. What you’ll quickly find out is that you don’t need to make a reservation at a Michelin Star restaurant to savor the delights of Parisian food. Lunch specials are abundant in many restaurants and you can usually enjoy a three-course meal that includes an appetizer, main course and dessert for under 20 Euros. Many Parisian bakeries also offer mouthwatering sandwiches in famous French bread or crusty baguettes. You can enjoy these for a small price and take them to one of Paris’s gorgeous parks or parks yourself on a bench along the river and enjoy your meal. Best of all, drinking in public areas is legal in the parks so while you’re choosing your lunch on the go, grab a bottle of wine and have an authentic Parisian lunch. 

If you really want to enjoy fine dining on a dime, learn how to cook like a Parisian. Foods markets are often cheaper on weekends and you can stock up on essentials for the whole week and put your culinary skills to work.

Paris is no different to any other major city in the world when discussing the cost of living. However, not everyone has a champagne budget but they still manage to live a wonderful life in this wonderful city. Explore Paris and shop around to find the best bargains and you too can live like a Parisian without a King’s ransom.