International students looking for affordable stay and studies should consider France their top choice. The French culture has captured the attention of multiple international students to settle in their homeland. Pursuing any study level in France is affordable and choosing to stay during the study period is even cheaper. For an international student, the average cost of living in France is more reasonable.
However, France’s living expenses for international students can be expensive based on lifestyle choices. So, what does the cost of living in France look like? This blog covers all the essential details related to living expenses in France for international students to help them plan their funds better.
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Table Of Contents: |
Overview of Cost of Living in France in 2024
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Factors |
Average Cost Per Month |
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Accommodation |
700 EUR |
|
Food |
300 EUR |
|
Transport |
50 EUR |
|
Entertainment |
200 EUR |
|
Miscellaneous |
100 EUR |
Suggested: Cost of Studying in France for International Students
Let us understand each of these expenses one by one:
1. Cost of Accommodation in France
Accommodation is based on two factors, private housing, and student hostels. The living cost in Paris for students regarding accommodation is higher than in other provinces.
Here is an overview of the costs:
|
Area Of Stay |
Cost Per Month |
|
Nantes |
250 EUR- 550 EUR (20,911 INR- 46,005 INR) |
|
Lyon |
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Bordeaux |
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Paris |
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Montpellier |
335 EUR- 522 EUR (including VAT) (28,010 INR- 43,645 INR) |
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Grenoble |
200 EUR- 500 EUR (16,729 INR- 41,816 INR) |
2. Cost of Transportation in France
Transport is another popular expense that needs to be considered when planning the cost of living in France for international students. International students are suggested to travel in local transports such as trains or undertake bike travel to save on the cost.
Here is an overview of the costs:
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Area Of Study |
Cost Per Month |
|
Nantes |
50 EUR (41,82 INR) |
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Lyon |
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Grenoble |
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Bordeaux |
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Paris |
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3. Cost of Food in France
Your food costs are determined by two factors, groceries and restaurant visits. For instance, the living cost in Paris for students in the food sector will be expensive, especially for restaurant visits.
Here is an overview of the costs:
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Area Of Study |
Cost Per Month |
|
Nantes |
200 EUR (16,729 INR) |
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Lyon |
300 EUR (25,088 INR) |
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Grenoble |
200 EUR- 300 EUR ( 16,729 INR- 25,088 INR) |
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Bordeaux |
0.90 EUR- 6 EUR (75 INR- 501 INR) |
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Paris |
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4. Cost of Health Insurance in France
Especially for international students, health insurance is mandatory. While most of it is covered by the government, international students will have to pay for an annual or one-time cost as needed.
Here is an overview of the costs:
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Area Of Study |
Costs One-Time/Annum |
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Nantes |
350 EUR/per annum (health, housing & civil liability) ( 29,269 INR) |
|
Lyon |
50 EUR/one-time cost (4,181 INR) |
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Grenoble |
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Bordeaux |
200 EUR/year (16,725 INR) |
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Paris |
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Montpellier |
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5. Other Expenses to Study in France
The other expenses include multiple factors such as electricity, residence permits, books, and other miscellaneous costs to study in France.
Here is an overview of the costs:
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Area Of Study |
Cost Per Month |
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Nantes |
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Lyon |
Stay permit- 60 EUR( one-time cost) (5,019 INR) |
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Grenoble |
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Bordeaux |
Leisure- 2 EUR- 60 EUR (167 INR- 5,019 INR) |
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Paris |
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Montpellier |
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Suggested: Estimated Masters in France Cost for International Students
Besides, multiple factors also determine the cost of living in France for Indian students.
Thus here is an overview of the general expenses in France based on the type of expense and provinces:
Living Expenses In France as per Provinces
The cost of living in France for international students differs based on the lifestyle choice you make and the area you choose to stay in, such as:
|
Area Of Stay |
Cost Per Month |
|
Nantes |
700 EUR (58,569 INR) |
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Lyon |
1000 EUR (83,670 INR) |
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Grenoble |
1000 EUR (83,670 INR) |
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Bordeaux |
850 EUR (71,118 INR) |
|
Paris |
1,100 EUR (92,035 INR) |
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Montpellier |
700 EUR- 1000 EUR (58,569 INR - 83,670 INR) |
Suggested: Everything About Studying in Paris for International Students
Money-Saving Tips To Manage Cost Of Living In France
While France is affordable, catering to the expensive cities in the country will be an additional expense. Thus to help you enjoy France better, we have listed the top money-saving tips to help you still affordably explore France.
- Shop Local: France is home to multiple local shops, stalls, second-hand shops, etc. To save money, you can start shopping for your groceries from here. They are relatively cheaper and can help you buy what you like on a budget. Also, multiple supermarkets in France are on the affordable lists, such as Aldi, Lidl, etc.
- Student Discounts: Another great reason to be a student in France is the number of student discounts you receive. Students here can access any value provided from getting deals while traveling to train to receive benefits from menus in bars.
- Grow your garden: Another way to save money is to go green. Start building fruit or vegetable plants in your home. This helps you grow organic food which benefits your health while saving you the money to purchase them from the store.
- Purchase petrol at supermarkets: Did you know that buying fuel from supermarkets is relatively cheaper?. Car owners can save up to 5 EUR and more by fueling petrol or diesel next to the supermarkets in France.
- Unplug electrical items: One of France’s most expensive and everyday habits amongst students would be forgetting to switch off electrical items when not in use. Leaving them on only to of them once you’re back home will cost your electricity bill high. Before leaving the house, ensure all electrical items and different prices are switched off.
- Plan your meals: Another great way to save money in France is to plan your meals. Understand what you wish to eat for the week and buy groceries accordingly. It is also preferred to eat seasonal foods as the prices are lower. Also packing more home food instead of buying from out and save your money better.
- Travel in TGV Trains: TGV trains are the most affordable form of transportation in France. Between the ages of 12 to 27 years, you will be eligible for the Carte Avantage Jeune discount card, where you receive 30% off on all TGV trains and transports.
Travelling in France using the local ways will make it cheaper to live in France. Taking up a part-time job can also help you manage your expenses. A 20hr/week is allowed for students for any job you undertake. Doing this can help you save and explore France on a better budget.
Suggested: What are Job Opportunities in France for international students
France will continue to gain popularity amongst international students due to the affordability of living and studying there. France proves to be the ideal destination for tight-budgeted students looking for such flexibility. While you’re now aware of the cost of living in France for Indian students, let’s also understand the cost of studying in France next.
