You’ll typically need about €1,100–€2,000/month for a modest one‑bed in Paris (central arrondissements cost more), or ~€764 for a private room in colocation; furnished rents and two‑month deposits raise monthly and upfront costs. Budget €50–€200/year for mandatory renter’s insurance, utilities €183–€230/month, and transport €84–€90/month. Expect landlords to want income ≈3× rent and agency fees + first month at signing. Keep going to see practical ways to cut costs.
What to Know Before Renting in Paris
Before you sign anything, know that Paris rents commonly eat well over 36% of your income and landlords usually want proof of earnings equal to about three times the monthly rent, so prepare payslips or substantial savings (or a guarantor).
Expect Paris rent to exceed 36% of your income; landlords typically require earnings ~3× the monthly rent—bring payslips or a guarantor.
You’ll compare Paris rent against average rent benchmarks and should expect higher up-front costs: first month’s rent plus a security deposit (typically two months for furnished, one month for unfurnished).
Furnished vs unfurnished affects monthly price and deposit size—furnished costs more monthly but lowers initial furniture expense.
Agency fees are common at signing (capped roughly per m²), so add them into your budget.
Build a tight rental dossier: payslips, ID, proof of address, guarantor documents or bank statements.
To cut cost and increase access, search early, consider outer arrondissements (19th/20th) or colocation (flatshare), and confirm renter’s insurance—usually mandatory for long-term leases. Additionally, understanding local market conditions can help you negotiate better rental terms.
Furnished Vs Unfurnished: Which Is Right for You
Furnished apartments charge higher monthly rent (studios ~€1,314; one‑beds ~€1,895) and often simplify move‑in setup with furniture and sometimes utilities included, but expect a larger security deposit (typically two months).
Unfurnished rentals show lower monthly rent and usually a one‑month security deposit, yet you’ll face upfront furnishing costs and must set up electricity, gas and internet yourself.
Compare by stay length: for short stays (≤1 year) furnished usually wins because avoiding furniture purchases offsets higher rent.
For long-term savings, unfurnished can be cheaper once you amortise furniture (buy used or IKEA) and often has lower headline rent per square meter.
Check leases carefully for what utilities and services are included before signing. Additionally, consider budget constraints that may impact your decision, similar to how schools evaluate repair costs for their computers.
What Is the Average Rent in Paris?
You’ll find furnished studios average about €1,314/month while furnished one‑bedrooms sit near €1,895, a clear premium over unfurnished units priced by area — roughly €31.1/m² for a one‑bed and €29.8/m² for a two‑bed (so a 25 m² studio ≈ €898, a 70 m² two‑bed ≈ €2,086). Factor in higher upfront costs and deposits for furnished units and the common landlord requirement that your income ≈3× rent when comparing options. Additionally, understanding operating expenses can help you budget effectively for your living situation.
Typical Rent Levels
While Paris rents vary a lot by size, furnishing and location, expect a furnished studio to average about €1,314/month and a furnished one‑bedroom about €1,895/month.
You’ll find average rent per m2 lower for unfurnished units — roughly €31.1/m2 for a one‑bedroom and €29.8/m2 for a two‑bedroom (so a 25 m2 studio ≈ €898 unfurnished).
Landlords typically expect your income to be ≳3× monthly rent, and many residents pay over the 30% guideline.
Upfront costs include first month’s rent, a security deposit (one month unfurnished, two months furnished) and agency fees often capped per m2.
To reduce Paris rent, consider colocation, move outside central arrondissements to outer neighborhoods or suburbs, or choose an unfurnished unit if you can furnish it.
Furnished Vs Unfurnished
Decide based on stay length and budget: furnished units command a clear premium—about €1,314/month for a studio and €1,895 for a one‑bed—whereas unfurnished rates (roughly €31.1/m² for a one‑bed and €29.8/m² for a two‑bed) can drop a 25 m² studio to ≈€898/month; factor in that furnished leases typically require two months’ deposit (vs. one month for unfurnished) but often bundle some utilities and remove the upfront cost and hassle of buying furniture, making furnished a smarter choice for stays under a year while unfurnished usually wins on long‑term monthly savings.
For Paris Rent decisions, compare Furnished rentals’ convenience (Utilities included, quicker move‑in) against Unfurnished apartments’ lower Rent per m² and reduced Monthly rent.
Account for Security deposit, Apartment size, and Upfront costs when choosing between Short stays and long stays.
Upfront Costs: Deposits, Agency Fees and Insurance
Budget for several immediate charges when signing a Paris lease: expect a security deposit of one month’s rent for unfurnished places and two months’ for furnished, plus agency fees typically charged per square metre (often around €12–€15/m²) and due at signing. You’ll also pay the first month’s rent and present renter’s insurance at move-in. If you lack a French guarantor, budget guarantor fees or a guarantee service. Administrative renewal fees and utility setup charges (internet, electricity, gas) can add to move-in costs. Understanding the total cost of renting in Paris can help you plan better.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | 1–2 months | Furnished vs unfurnished rule |
| Agency fees | €12–€15/m² | Due at signing |
| First month’s rent | 1 month | Always required |
| Renter’s insurance | €50–€200/yr | Mandatory for long-term |
| Guarantor/fees | Variable | May be percentage-based |
Compare listings by per square metre pricing and factor these upfront and administrative costs into your budget.
Ongoing Expenses: Utilities, Groceries and Transport
Don’t be surprised if your monthly living bill in Paris breaks down into distinct chunks: utilities, internet/phone, food and transport — each with predictable ranges you can plan around. For a single person expect utilities (electricity, heating, hot water, waste) roughly €183–€230; larger flats push toward €227–€230. Home internet plus mobile runs about €50/month.
Furnished rentals may bundle some charges into Rent, raising headline rent but simplifying bills; unfurnished means you’ll set up and pay utilities and home internet separately.
- Utilities: €183–€230 typical; bundled in some furnished rentals.
- Groceries: €200–€400/month for a single person; staple prices — milk €1.37–€1.46/L, baguette €1.20–€1.83, eggs €4.36–€4.41/dozen.
- Transport: monthly pass €84–€90 vs single ticket €2.10–€2.50; Paris’ public transportation system is cost-effective if you commute daily.
Total monthly costs consequently hinge on rent choice and consumption patterns. Additionally, it’s wise to consider ongoing maintenance costs associated with your living space, as they can significantly impact your overall budget.
How to Pay Less Than Average Rent in Paris
If you want to cut rent in Paris, living with roommates is the quickest lever — a private-room colocation averages €764 furnished versus roughly €1,043 each if you split a 70 m² two‑bed unfurnished, so your per‑person cost can drop 20–40%.
Choosing furnished lets you move in fast and avoid upfront furniture purchases, but compare furnished premiums (often one extra month’s deposit) against lower unfurnished rates of about €29.8–31.1/m² outside the centre.
Moving to outer arrondissements (19th–20th) or suburbs like Courbevoie/Meudon typically trims rents 10–30% versus central listings, so combine location and sharing for the biggest savings. Additionally, consider the impact of market demand fluctuations on rental prices, especially during peak seasons.
Live With Roommates
By sharing a furnished two‑bed (about €3,133/month) or renting a private room (€≈35.9/m²), you can cut your housing cost well below the €1,314–€1,895 range for solo studios and one‑beds — often saving several hundred euros a month.
Opt for colocation in a shared apartment to reduce per‑person rent; splitting a 2‑bed converts a €3,133 bill into much lower monthly shares.
Target neighbourhoods outside centre (19th, 20th, suburbs) where one‑beds fall to €1,100–1,300.
Build a strong rental dossier — income proof, guarantor or Visale — to win cheaper colocations and avoid agency fees.
If you accept unfurnished, factor furnishing and individual utilities when calculating real savings.
- Compare furnished studio vs room in flat.
- Calculate split rent and utilities.
- Avoid agency fees with complete dossier.
Choose Furnished Rentals
Consider a furnished rental when you need a short stay (≤12 months) — the higher monthly rent often beats the upfront cost of furnishing: average furnished studios run about €1,314 versus roughly €897.50 for an unfurnished 25 m², but buying basics can cost hundreds–thousands and push the break-even point beyond your stay.
For short-term rent, compare total move-in costs: two-month security deposit, agency fees (capped per m²), and any furnishing budget you’d avoid.
Prioritize furnished apartments with utilities included or internet to cut setup hassle and recurring bills.
If studio rent in central arrondissements is high, target well-connected outer arrondissements or nearby suburbs where furnished vs unfurnished premiums narrow, lowering your monthly outlay.
Move Outside Center
Having weighed furnished versus unfurnished options, you can cut rent substantially by shifting your search outside Paris’s central arrondissements. Target the 19th arrondissement, 20th or suburbs like Courbevoie, Meudon and Nanterre where one-bedroom rents fall to €1,100–€1,600 versus central €1,400–€2,500. Balance savings against a monthly transport pass (~€84–€90).
- Consider colocation/shared housing: furnished private rooms average ~€764 and ~€35.9 €/m², dramatically below studio or one-bedroom rents.
- Choose unfurnished if you’ll stay years: slightly lower rent and one‑month security deposit, but budget for upfront furnishing (IKEA, leboncoin).
- Prepare a strong dossier and use expat-friendly agencies or portals (SeLoger, PAP, HousingAnywhere) to win listings in outer areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Paris With Rent?
Expect roughly €1,000–€2,100 monthly including rent: studio options cost lower, furnished rentals higher; add utility costs, deposit norms, moving expenses; compare neighborhood differences, lease lengths, roommate arrangements, tenant rights, housing websites to decide.
What Salary Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Paris?
Coincidentally, you’ll want about €4,500–€6,500 net takehome monthly to live comfortably in Paris, covering commuting costs, utility bills, food preferences, entertainment budget, health insurance, leisure activities, savings targets, emergency fund, plus annual bonuses.
Can You Live on 1000 Euros a Month in Paris?
No — you likely can’t live on €1,000/month in Paris. Choose student housing or communal living, use meal prepping, budget apps, shared utilities, seek part time jobs, account medical insurance, nightlife expenses, seasonal costs, language barriers.
Is It Cheaper to Live in Paris Than the USA?
Sometimes yes — Paris often beats U.S. cities on groceries comparison, public transport quality, cost of healthcare and entertainment costs, but higher rent, taxation differences, utility bills, education expenses, childcare availability, urban safety and language barriers can raise overall costs.
Conclusion
You’ve seen the numbers: rent ranges, deposits, utilities and transport sketched like a balance sheet. Use furnished flats to lower upfront costs, compare agency fees, and shop markets for groceries to cut monthly spend. Think of your budget as a map — not Notre-Dame’s maze, but a subway schematic: practical, plotted, and data-driven. With comparisons in hand, you’ll choose the smartest mix of cost, convenience and comfort for life in Paris.
