How much does it costs to study abroad in France
If you’re an American student thinking about studying abroad in France, one of the first questions on your mind is probably:
“How much is this going to cost me?”
The truth is, France is as diverse in costs as it is in culture. Living in Paris will feel very different from living in Lyon or Reims, not just because of the city vibe, but also because of rent, groceries, transportation, and lifestyle expenses.
In this guide, I break down realistic monthly budgets for American students in six popular French study abroad cities: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, Lille, and Reims. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what you need to prepare financially, and where you might be able to save.
(Pro tip: If creating a realistic budget feels overwhelming, my 1:1 study abroad coaching sessions help students like you plan expenses, housing, and travel before you even leave the U.S.)
1. What Expenses Should You Expect While Studying in France?
Before we break it down by city, let’s cover the main costs you’ll encounter:
Housing: Your biggest monthly expense. Options include student residences, shared apartments, or private studios.
Groceries & Food: Cooking at home saves money; eating out is common in French student life.
Transportation: Metro, bus, tram, and regional trains.
Social Life & Entertainment: Cafés, bars, museums, and weekend trips.
Miscellaneous: Mobile phone, internet, student fees, and occasional emergencies.
A realistic student budget in France will vary between €800 to €1,500/month, depending on the city and lifestyle.
2. Paris: The Iconic Capital
Paris is the dream for many students, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing ( in a shared apartment): €700–€1,200
Groceries: €200–€300
Transportation: €91 (Navigo monthly pass)
Eating Out & Social: €200–€350
Misc / Phone / Essentials€50–€100
Total€1,225–€2,025
Notes:
Rent is the largest expense; central arrondissements are expensive.
Student residences in suburbs can be cheaper but require commuting.
Paris is ideal if your goal is networking, cultural immersion, and travel opportunities.
💡 Tip: If your budget is tight, consider Lyon, Bordeaux, or Lille, similar student life but lower rent.
3. Lyon: The Gastronomic & Student-Friendly City
Lyon is often underrated, but it’s a hub for students and culture lovers alike.
Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing: €450–€700
Groceries: €180–€250
Transportation: €25 (TCL pass for 18-25)
Eating Out & Social: €150–€250
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €40–€80
Total": €870–€1,330
Notes:
Housing is more affordable than in Paris.
The city has a vibrant student scene and renowned gastronomy.
Excellent regional train connections for travel across France.
4. Bordeaux: Wine, Culture, and Coastal Access
Bordeaux has gained popularity among international students due to its charm, culture, and coastal location.
Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing: €450–€750
Groceries: €180–€250
Transportation: €40–€50
Eating Out & Social: €150–€250
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €40–€80
Total€860–€1,380
Notes:
Slightly more relaxed lifestyle than Paris or Lyon.
Affordable student apartments near the city center are available.
Ideal for students who want culture, wine, and a slower pace.
5. Marseille: Southern France & the Mediterranean Lifestyle
Marseille offers a unique blend of beach, history, and diversity, but costs vary depending on location.
Estimated Monthly Cost:
Housing: €400–€700
Groceries: €180–€250
Transportation: €40–€50
Eating Out & Social: €150–€250
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €40–€80
Total€810–€1,330
Notes:
Beach access and warm climate are major draws.
Shared apartments and student residences near universities are affordable.
Public transport is decent but not as extensive as Paris.
6. Lille: The Student Capital of Northern France
Lille is a lively university city with a strong international student presence.
Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing: €400–€650
Groceries: €180–€230
Transportation: €35–€45
Eating Out & Social: €150–€220
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €40–€70
Total: €805–€1,215
Notes:
Lille is small but vibrant, with cheap rent compared to Paris.
Excellent connections to Brussels, London, and Paris via train.
Student-friendly city with a dynamic cultural scene.
7. Reims: Champagne, Culture, and Affordability
Reims is perfect if you want a smaller city experience with easy access to Paris.
Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing: €350–€600
Groceries: €150–€220
Transportation: €30–€40
Eating Out & Social: €120–€200
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €30–€60
Total€680–€1,120
Notes:
The most affordable city on this list.
Small-town charm, fewer tourists, easier housing.
Close enough to Paris for weekend trips as it is just 45 minutes away by train and 1h30 by Flixbus. You also have direct trains going to the Paris airport.
8. How to Budget Smartly as an American Student in France
Plan Before You Leave: Factor in housing deposits, travel, and visa fees.
Cook at Home: Supermarkets are cheaper than eating out daily.
Use Student Discounts: Museums, transport, and events often have reduced rates.
Track Your Spending: Apps like Bunq or Revolut make currency management easier.
Consider Your Travel Goals: Weekend trips across Europe add costs quickly, plan realistically.
💡 Pro tip: A personalized budgeting plan can save you thousands. In my coaching sessions, I help students break down costs by city, lifestyle, and travel goals, so they can enjoy France without financial stress.
9. Final Thoughts: Which French City Fits Your Budget & Lifestyle?
CityCost Range (€/month)
Best For Paris: €1,225–€2,025. Culture, networking, travel
Lyon: €870–€1,330. Food, student life, mid-size city
Bordeaux: €860–€1,380. Culture, slower pace, coastal proximity
Marseille: €810–€1,330. Beach, diversity, Mediterranean lifestyle
Lille: €805–€1,215. Northern France, a student city, connectivity
Reims: €680–€1,120. Small city charm, affordability, Champagne region
Your choice depends on budget, lifestyle preferences, academic goals, and travel ambitions.
10. How Coaching Helps You Prepare Financially
Studying abroad in France is amazing, but money stress can take the joy out of it if you’re unprepared.
With my 1:1 study abroad coaching sessions, I help American students:
Create realistic city-specific budgets
Compare cities based on lifestyle and costs
Factor in travel, social life, and hidden expenses
Arrive confident, not anxious
Planning ahead transforms your study abroad experience and helps you make the most of your time in France.
Bottom Line:
France can fit a range of budgets, from affordable student cities like Reims and Lille to iconic but expensive Paris. By understanding costs in advance and planning wisely, you can focus on learning, exploring, and growing, instead of stressing about money.
