How Much Does It Cost to Spend a Month in Paris?

by Gigi Griffis

Well, it’s that time again. I’ve tallied up my spending from Paris and I’m here to share my monthly budget. This “monthly” budget actually represents just under a month’s worth of expenses (as I was away on business for the first few days of the month), but it should still give you a good jumping off point for budgeting your own City of Light adventures. As usual, if you want some more details and notes, just hop down below the numbers.

 Euros  Dollars
 Tiny top-floor studio apartment with shared toilet in the hall via Airbnb  837.23  $1093.00
 Taxis + metro tickets  73.10  $95.76
 Wine  33.36  $43.70
 Train to Calais to catch the ferry to the UK  45.00  $58.95
 Groceries  213.13  $279.20
 Eating out  127.11  $166.51
 Haircut  35  $45.85
 Entertainment and museums  100  $131
 Misc.  137  $179.47
 ATM & exchange fees  $25

Total Euros: 1,562.93    /    Total Dollars: $2,118.44

NOTES:

I keep track of expenses by keeping receipts (and, occasionally jotting things down if I am somewhere that doesn’t give receipts – like a farmer’s market). Some of my Parisian receipts were a little confusing when I sat down to write out my expenses, so I’ve included those items under the Miscellaneous category. At least one of those receipts was for Luna’s food and several were for coffees.

My accommodations were about as cheap as you can find if you want a private space. But if you are willing to share space, there were lots of furnished rooms available at a much lower price point (I saw nice offerings for as low as 600 euro).

I have chosen not to include ATM and exchange fees in the Euro portion of the breakdown above since presumably Europeans would either travel with euros and/or have an account with a bank that could be found in Paris.

Finally, keep in mind that: A) I am running my business while traveling, so your budget is likely to be higher if you are exploring Paris 24-7; B) my favorite things to do are eating (which is why my monthly food budgets tend to run a little high, particularly in a wonderful foodie paradise like Paris) and walking/hiking (which is why my entertainment and transportation costs often run low).

Want more budget resources? Find them here.


France: 100 locals tell you where to go, what to eat, and how to fit in Going to France this year?
In my new unconventional France guide, 100 chefs, wine experts, historians, athletes, and locals give you the inside scoop on where to go, what to eat, and how to fit in. Buy it now and get a copy of Paris: 10 Locals Tell You Where to Go, What to Eat, & How to Fit In free!.

Buy It Now:       Full-Color PDF*         Kindle (.mobi)        Paperback

Share this post!

You may also like

Leave a comment

* By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

22 comments

Rebeca March 19, 2013 - 11:25 am

Wow did not know you could catch a ferry to the UK from Paris that is awesome and here I thought you would have to catch a flight. Thanks for the info. on that.

reply
gigigriffis March 19, 2013 - 11:53 am

Actually the ferry is from Calais, but it’s not far from Paris by train (about 1.5 hours).

reply
Lauren March 19, 2013 - 3:39 pm

YOU ONLY SPENT $44 ON WINE? Is it because it’s like 50 cents there? :)

reply
gigigriffis March 19, 2013 - 4:24 pm

Ha! Yes, wine is incredibly cheap in France (which I love). But keep in mind that the miscellaneous category might house a wine receipt that I couldn’t decipher.

reply
Sarah Li Cain March 20, 2013 - 2:05 pm

Thanks for the breakdown! I have a feeling I’d be spending a lot more money on food, being the *ahem* glutton that I am lol.

reply
gigigriffis March 20, 2013 - 2:14 pm

I hear that! My first time in Paris, food was a larger portion of my budget, as I only had five days and wanted to experience everything. This time I was a bit more relaxed, only really having one major dinner out – in part because it was winter and I get sluggish in winter and in part because I fully expect to be back in Paris soon eating wonderful cuisine again. Love it there.

reply
Traveling is Not as Expensive as You Think | the ramble March 21, 2013 - 7:27 am

[…] Budgeting for Europe: One month in Edinburgh, Scotland How to budget for Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland One month in Perugia (Umbria), Italy 5 days in Stockholm for $100 Traveling around Europe for two months, solo One month in Paris […]

reply
‘Round the world ticket (April 2013) | Lape Soetan April 19, 2013 - 3:04 am

[…] wondered how much it would cost to spend a month in Paris?  This post gives guide […]

reply
There’s Just Something About Paris | The Ramble August 28, 2014 - 12:03 am

[…] ONE MONTH IN PARIS […]

reply
Travel + Inspirational Link Round Up, September | The Ramble September 28, 2014 - 12:36 am

[…] The most popular posts in August + September were Ask a Local: What Should I Do/See/Eat in Verona, Italy? and How Much Does It Cost to Spend a Month in Paris? […]

reply
Monica January 4, 2015 - 1:50 pm

I enjoyed reading your post on your month stay in Paris! I’d like to ask what arrondissements did you stay at?

What are your top 3 arrondissements?

Thank you for your time.

reply
gigigriffis January 4, 2015 - 3:33 pm

I always try to stay in Montmartre (18th), but if I had to look elsewhere, I’d probably Le Marais (3rd).

reply
Helen Andreou February 20, 2015 - 2:55 am

I’m surprised yr eating out cost was so low?

reply
gigigriffis February 20, 2015 - 3:28 am

Eating out can be surprisingly affordable. I remember one particular cafe that had a $10 lunch that included a glass of wine and a coffee.

reply
Dipan March 15, 2015 - 9:03 pm

Well, the listing was for someone who would like to travel. Can you shed some light on the expenses for a student who wish to study in France especially in the Nantes area.

Thanks in advance. Any contacts in that area is also welcome.

reply
gigigriffis March 16, 2015 - 4:17 am

Hi Dipan,

I can only give my own budgets for living in France. I have another for Biarritz (just click on the budgeting + saving link under the title and you’ll find it), but I have never stayed in Nantes.

reply
How to Travel Europe for $2,000 A Month | The Ramble May 20, 2015 - 8:00 am

[…] A Month in Paris […]

reply
How Much Does It Cost to Live In Switzerland? (Three Budgets Compared) | The Ramble May 25, 2015 - 12:24 am

[…] I’ve told you what it cost me to spend a month in Italy’s Umbrian countryside. I’ve shared real figures from Paris. And I’ve shown how you can live like a queen on a super small budget in Split, Croatia. And now […]

reply
CherrBi June 13, 2015 - 11:33 am

I’m staying for the whole months of July and August this year, 2015. I love museums and wonder if there is a 2 month museum pass or one at least longer than the 6 day museum pass that is sold to tourists.

reply
gigigriffis June 13, 2015 - 12:04 pm

Sorry – no idea.

reply
One Writer’s Shifting Mindset (Or What If Making a Point Isn’t the Point?) | The Ramble August 17, 2015 - 12:31 am

[…] Wherever it comes from, I’ve started giving myself permission to tell stories for their own sake. Not just when they pose an important philosophical question or help us budget for a month in Paris. […]

reply
How Much My Digital Nomad Lifestyle Costs: Real Budget Numbers from Nearly 5 Years on the Road | The Ramble April 13, 2017 - 1:55 am

[…] $2,000 per month Paris, France  /  one month […]

reply

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Opt-out here if you wish! Accept Read more