Table of Contents
🕑 3 min read
Paris is one of Europe’s most iconic student cities — but is it expensive for Indian students? Yes, Paris is pricier than most European cities, but with the right budget strategy, you can live comfortably on €1,100–€1,600/month. Here is the complete monthly cost breakdown for 2026.
Complete Monthly Cost of Living in Paris for Indian Students 2026
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (student dorm / CROUS) | €400–€700 | ₹36,000–₹63,000 |
| Rent (shared flat / WG) | €700–€1,000 | ₹63,000–₹90,000 |
| Groceries / food at home | €200–€300 | ₹18,000–₹27,000 |
| CROUS university cafeteria | €3.30/meal (subsidised) | ₹297/meal |
| Dining out (moderate) | €80–€150 | ₹7,200–₹13,500 |
| Monthly transport (Navigo Pass) | €86/month | ₹7,740 |
| Health insurance (student) | €0–€50 (covered for most) | ₹0–₹4,500 |
| Mobile phone plan | €10–€20 | ₹900–₹1,800 |
| Books / stationery | €30–€60 | ₹2,700–₹5,400 |
| Entertainment / miscellaneous | €50–€100 | ₹4,500–₹9,000 |
| Total Monthly Budget | €1,100–€1,600 | ≈ ₹99,000–₹1,44,000 |
Accommodation in Paris — Options and Costs for Indian Students
1. CROUS University Housing (Most Affordable)
CROUS is France’s public student housing system. Rooms in Paris cost €400–€700/month. Apply via the national housing portal immediately after receiving your university admission. Demand is very high — especially in Paris. Apply early (in spring for September intake).
2. Shared Apartment (Colocation)
Sharing a 2–3 bedroom Paris apartment with other students. Cost: €700–€1,000/month. Use PAP.fr, SeLoger, and Facebook groups for Indian students in Paris to find listings. Île-de-France suburbs like Saint-Denis and Créteil are more affordable (€550–€750/month) with good metro connections.
3. Studio in Paris
A private studio in central Paris costs €900–€1,400/month. Affordable studios can be found in the 13th, 18th, and 19th arrondissements.
How Indian Students Save Money in Paris
- Eat at CROUS restaurants — €3.30/meal (heavily subsidised by the French government). Available at most Paris universities.
- Navigo Découverte transport pass — Unlimited metro, bus, RER for €86/month — excellent value in Paris.
- Student discounts everywhere — Museums, cinema, entertainment: 30–50% discount with your student card.
- CAF housing allowance — After arriving, apply for CAF (aide au logement) — €100–€250/month rent subsidy from the French government for students.
- Part-time work — 964 hours/year allowed (20 hrs/week) — earn €900–€1,200/month.
Related: Complete France Study Guide → | Cities in France for Indian Students →
How much does it cost for an Indian student to live in Paris per month?
Monthly living costs in Paris for Indian students range from €1,100–€1,600/month (≈ ₹99,000–₹1,44,000). This includes rent (€400–€700 in student housing), groceries (€200–€300), transport Navigo pass (€86), and miscellaneous. Eating at CROUS university cafeterias (€3.30/meal) and claiming CAF housing allowance can significantly reduce costs.
Is Paris affordable for Indian students compared to other European cities?
Paris is 20–30% more expensive than cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, or Toulouse. However, compared to London, Paris is significantly more affordable — London rent averages £1,000–£1,500/month compared to €400–€700 in Paris student housing. Paris also offers subsidised CROUS meals at €3.30, free museum access for under-26s, and generous CAF housing subsidies.
What is CAF and how much do Indian students get in Paris?
CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) is the French government’s housing allowance. Most Indian students renting in France qualify for €100–€250/month rent subsidy. Apply online at caf.fr within your first month of arrival. You need your rental contract, bank account (RIB), and residence permit to apply.
What is the CROUS student restaurant in Paris and how much does it cost?
CROUS is France’s public student welfare system operating affordable university cafeterias (restaurants universitaires). Meals cost just €3.30 for enrolled students — a full hot lunch with starter, main, and dessert. Most Paris universities have one or more CROUS restaurants on or near campus. This is one of the best ways Indian students save money in Paris.
Ready to Study in Europe?
Get free counselling from India’s #1 Europe education specialist. 500+ students placed. 97% visa success rate.
Planning to Study Abroad?
Get free expert guidance from our experienced counselors
Saumitra Rajput
Saumitra Rajput is the founder and lead counsellor at Kadamb Overseas, India's trusted Europe education consultancy based in Ahmedabad. With 14+ years of hands-on experience, he has personally guided 500+ students to universities across Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, and Spain. Saumitra has visited partner universities across Europe, holds deep expertise in European visa processes, scholarships, and student life, and has achieved a 97% visa success rate for his clients. He is the host of the YouTube channel "Europe with Saumitra", where he shares first-hand insights on studying and living in Europe. His mission: make Europe accessible to every Indian student, with zero consultancy fees.
Related Articles
- Politecnico di Milano for Indian Students 2026: Fees, Courses & Visa
- Ghent University (UGent) Admission, Fees & Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
- Study Abroad Consultant in Dehradun - Europe Education Experts 2026
- Top 10 German Companies Hiring Indian Graduates in 2026 — Salaries & How to Apply
- TU Berlin Admission, Fees & Requirements for Indian Students 2026
