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.
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22 comments
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.
Actually the ferry is from Calais, but it’s not far from Paris by train (about 1.5 hours).
YOU ONLY SPENT $44 ON WINE? Is it because it’s like 50 cents there? :)
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.
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.
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.
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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.
I always try to stay in Montmartre (18th), but if I had to look elsewhere, I’d probably Le Marais (3rd).
I’m surprised yr eating out cost was so low?
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Sorry – no idea.
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