How Much Does It Cost to Spend a Month in Paris?
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.
 |
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!. |
Comments
-
-
-
Sarah Li Cain
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.
-
Monica
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.
-
-
Dipan
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.
-
CherrBi
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.
Rebeca
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.