Cost Of Living In France As A Student

So you have decided to move to the city of baguettes, berets and breathtaking beauty? France is a city full of marvels and beauty, and living in this city is a dream for many. If you have decided to make France your home for the next couple of years, you will have the time of your life there. To help you out, we have curated this extensive blog with a complete breakdown of the cost of living in France.

About France

France is not just about wines, romance and pastries; it is a country that is also culturally rich and diverse. The country boasts of beautiful architecture and a fascinating history. Being the largest country in Europe, it is also home to the city of love, Paris, which is also its capital. France’s contributions to the fields of art, music, literature and cinema cannot be overlooked, and this country will also take you on a culinary expedition that will make you taste heaven. So, if you want to experience the finer things in life and live your life to the fullest, you should definitely think about studying in France.

Cost of Living in France: Tuition fees

One of the primary costs when budgeting your cost of living in France as a student will be paying your tuition. Therefore, while making your budget, this is an important consideration.

How can you save on tuition fees in France?

The tuition fee is something that is non-negotiable, so you can’t save much here. However, scholarships can come in handy to save you a few euros and help you lower your cost of living in France. 

Cost of Living in France: Student Accommodation

Another of the major cost bearers in your cost of living in France will be your student accommodation. You can choose to stay on-campus or off-campus, depending on your comfort and preferences. There are other choices for private rentals and purpose-built student homes (PBSA). PBSAs are residential communities created with students' needs in mind. PBSAs come fully equipped and with all utilities. If you choose to live off-campus, then the location you choose, along with the amenities provided with the accommodation, will play a major role in deciding the rent. The average rent can range from €400 to €800. 

How to save on living costs in France?

Deciding to share your accommodation with a roommate or live in a double occupancy room can help you save a little on your cost of living in France. Creating a budget for your accommodation and planning beforehand the rent you would want to pay can help you not spend more money than what you can spare.

Cost of Living in France: Travel 

Another big component of your total cost of living in France will be your travel expenses. The public transport in France is very efficient, and students will find it easy to travel and explore the country. Below are some modes of transportation and their cost, which will help you plan your cost of living in France.

1. Metro and Tram: Metro and tams are a very effective way to travel for students. It proves to be cost-efficient and convenient. The cost of a single ticket for a metro or tram ride in the major cities of France typically ranges from €1.90 to €2.20 for a standard fare, but prices may vary depending on the city. 

2. Bus: Another mode of transport that can prove to be efficient is bus. It is cost-effective and well-connected to most of the regions in France. A single bus ticket usually costs around €1.90 to €2.20 for a standard fare.

3. Taxis and Ride-sharing: You can choose to travel in a taxi, but it can prove to be rather expensive. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available in some cities and provide more pricing transparency. Though they are expensive, they can be easily available and can prove to be a comfortable mode of transport.

4. Bike Rentals: Many cities in France offer bike-sharing programs, such as Vélib' in Paris. The cost of renting a bike varies but is usually reasonable, with options for short-term and long-term rentals.

How to save on your travel expenses in France?

If you want to save on travel while calculating your France living expenses, then you can choose to walk or cycle to the nearby areas and neighborhoods. Buying a weekly or monthly pass can also help you profit while trying to save on the cost of living in France. 

Cost of Living in France: Food and Groceries

Next on the list of cost of living in France are food and groceries. This part of your living expenses in France will highly vary depending on your liking, preferences and taste, but here is an estimate of how much you will spend on grocery shopping.

1. Milk (1 litre)- €1.08
2. Loaf of bread (500g)- €1.60
3. Eggs (12)- €3.30
4. Apples (1 kg)- €2.71
5. Banana (1 kg)- €1.97
6. Onion (1 kg)- €2
7. Meat and Fish- €8 to €12
8. Dairy products- €20 to €40

How can you save on your food and grocery expenses?

Choosing to make your own meals rather than ordering in will help you save significantly on your cost of living in France. Cooking your own meals will help you save money as well as help you eat healthy and stay fit. You can also check for student discounts at the grocery stores or buy in bulk to save.

Cost of Living in France: Utilities

Many accommodations do not include the cost of utilities in their rent. But if you haven’t booked with amber, which includes utilities in the rent itself, and you have to pay extra from your pocket, then here is a breakdown of the utilities that will make your day-to-day life easier that you will need to add to your France living expenses.

1. Electricity and Gas- €100 to €150 per month
2. Water- €30 to €50 per month
3. Heating- €50 to €100 per month
4. Internet and TV- €30 to €50 per month
5. Garbage Collection- €100 to €300 per year
6. Phone- €15 to €30 per month

How to save on utilities when living in France?

If you want to reduce your cost of living in France, then you can consider living in a shared student accommodation, which makes sharing of utility bills. You can also make sure that the electricity, gas, heating and water are turned on when you don’t need them, which can help you save a little money. 

Cost of Living in France: Miscellaneous Expenses

When you decide to shift to a city like France, you will find a world within a world to explore. From beautiful artisanal cafes to marvelous architecture, you find everything to marvel you. The nightlife in France is definitely not something you can miss. Even though being a tourist in a place you’ll live can be exciting, you still have to calculate your miscellaneous expenses in your cost of living in France. 

1. A basic dinner- €10 - €20 per person
2. Fine Dining: €50 and above per person
3. Coffee- €2 - €5
4. Drink at pubs/bars- €4 - €15
5. Movie- €10 - €15
6. Gym- €30 - €70/ month
7. Musuem entry- €10 - €15

How to reduce the cost of miscellaneous expenses while living in France?

Understanding the difference between your wants and needs can help you come a long way in saving your France living expenses. It is also recommended to set a budget before going out so that you do not end up splurging.

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