France has emerged as the number one destination for tourists as well as expats from around the world. Individuals of all ages & nationalities are relocating to this country because of its rich heritage, beauty, culture, living standards, education, nightlife, entertainment and cuisine. While the retired expats are more likely to settle down in rural France, the younger people prefer the major cities like Paris. However living in Paris could increase your monthly expenses to some extent. That said, you can definitely count on the city’s robust and thriving economy.
Food & Beverage
Everyday groceries are slightly more expensive in Paris as compared to the UK and US.A liter of milk costs around €1.07 and a 500gram loaf of bread can be purchased for €1.62 or so. The prices of other staples include €1.75 for a kilo of white rice, €3.38 for 12 eggs, €15.54 for a kilo of local cheese, €13.00 for a kilo of boneless chicken, €2.78 for a kilo of apples, €2.62 for a kilo of oranges, €2.84 for a kilo of tomatoes, €1.93 for a kilo of potatoes, €1.31 for a head of lettuce and €0.91 for a bottle of mineral water (1.5 liter). You’d pay €6.00 for a mid-range bottle of red wine.
The cost of eating out in Paris is a bit higher, as compared to the US and UK. You’ll probably pay around €9.00 for a combo meal at a fast food joint and €15.00 or so for a single-course meal at a reasonably priced eatery. A three-course lunch or dinner for two could cost you approximately €65.00 at a mid-range cafe and as much as €380.00, if you choose an expensive place like a five-star hotel. Restaurants usually charge €3.50 for cappuccino, €3.00 for a soft drink and €2.00 for a bottle of mineral water (0.33 liter).
Most average-priced bars charge around €6.00 for a bottle of imported beer (0.33 liter) and €7.00 for a 0.5 liter bottle of domestic beer (draught). At a supermarket, you could pick up both kinds of beer for approximately €2.00.
Accommodation
Rent is one of the main considerations for expats who will be paying for their own accommodation in Paris. On average, expats pay lower rents in Paris as compared to cities in the US (New York) and UK (London).
A small (one-bedroom) apartment in the heart of the city costs around €1,108.00 per month. However, you’d pay only €830.00 or so, for a similar-sized flat outside of the city.
In case you are moving to Paris with your family and would prefer renting a larger (3-bedroom) apartment, you could get one for about €2,428.00 in the city center and €1,748.00 in the outskirts.
While rents are lower, buying an apartment in Paris is generally costlier. The cost per square meter for a flat in the center of Paris is around €9,810. An apartment outside of the city center should be available for around €6,753 per square meter.
Transportation
The amount of money you spend commuting around the city may have a significant impact on your monthly expenditure. For those who travel by bus, a one-way ride costs €1.70. In case you plan to take the bus regularly, you’d be better off with a monthly pass, which is available for €65.00.
For a taxi ride, the starting tariff is €3.50 and for each kilometer, you’ll pay an additional €1.22. Avoid keeping a taxi waiting, because the cost is €31.16 for an hour.
In case you prefer driving yourself around, you could purchase new car for approximately €19,000.00. The cost of gasoline is €1.63 per liter.
Utilities
If you are living alone in a small house, the combined cost of electricity, heating, water and garbage disposal should be about €170.00 or so.
The standard prepaid mobile tariff, without any discounts is €0.22 per minute. Internet prices are around €30.00 per month which is a higher than the US and UK.
Sports and Leisure
Taking up a sport and joining a health club are some of the best ways of keeping yourself fit in Paris. On average, a fitness center membership monthly fee is usually €80.00 for an adult. Alternately, you could also rent out a tennis court for €20.00 an hour, over the weekend. A cinema ticket costs €10.00 per person.
Clothing and shoes
Shopping in Paris is far from cheap. A pair of jeans costs around €87.00 and a casual dress is often priced under €40.00. Leather shoes for men are generally priced at €110.00 and sports shoes cost €90.00 or so.
The prices mentioned above may change, depending upon factors like the economy, demand and inflation rates.