Cost of Living in France: Travel and Accommodation for International Students
France is one of the top choices for international students thanks to its world-class universities, cultural richness, and scenic landscapes. However, the cost of living in France is higher than in many other European countries. Students planning to study here should be financially prepared and make arrangements ahead of time.
Average Monthly Living Expenses in France
The average monthly living cost varies by city:
- Paris: 1,200 to 1,800 EUR (₹1.05 to ₹1.58 lakhs)
- Lyon, Toulouse, Metz: 500 to 1,000 EUR (₹43,950 to ₹87,900)
Tuition Fees
- Public Universities: Around 170 EUR/year for Bachelor's and 260 EUR/year for Master's
- Private Universities: 3,000 to 10,000 EUR/year (₹2.36 to ₹8.78 lakhs)
Travel to France
Flight tickets from India to France range from 280 to 740 EUR (₹25,000 to ₹65,000). Leading airlines include Air India and Air France.
Documents to Carry:
- Passport
- France Student Visa
- University Offer Letter
- ID and Birth Certificate
- French Language Proficiency Proof
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas
Cost of Transportation in France
| Mode of Transport | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 2 – 14 | ₹175 – ₹1,230 |
| Taxi | 7.30 – 33.48 | ₹640 – ₹3,000 |
| Personal Bike | 20 – 30 | ₹1,700 – ₹2,600 |
| Train | 2.10 | ₹185 |
| Plane (Domestic) | 69 | ₹6,065 |
| Car + Maintenance | 140 – 145 | ₹12,300 – ₹12,750 |
Student Accommodation in France
Average monthly rent is 400 to 1,200 EUR. In Paris, rent starts at 400 EUR while smaller cities average around 200 EUR.
Required Documents for Renting
- Passport or ID
- Bank reference from French bank
- Guarantor details and proof
On-Campus Housing (CROUS)
Run by CROUS, on-campus accommodations are affordable but limited. Meals at CROUS restaurants cost as low as 5 EUR.
University-Wise Accommodation and Living Costs
| University | Accommodation Cost (EUR) | Total Living Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris | 550 – 1,160 | 1,500 |
| Ecole Polytechnique | 552 | 1,000 |
| Sorbonne University | 500 – 800 | 800 – 1,400 |
| INSEAD France | 1,000 | 1,300 – 1,500 |
| NEOMA Business School | 500 – 1,000 | 700 |
| Paris School of Business | 490 – 1,449 | 1,200 – 1,800 |
Off-Campus Housing
Private accommodations are available through platforms like Student Factory, Lodgis, Le Bon Coin. Monthly rent is about 400 EUR (₹35,000).
City-wise Cost of Living
| City | Monthly Rent (EUR) | Monthly Rent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 800 – 1,200 | ₹70,000 – ₹1.05 lakhs |
| Nice | 1,075 – 1,521 |