Cost of Living in France for Indian Students

Before diving into specifics, here’s a snapshot of what a typical student in France might spend monthly:

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

These monthly rates have been based on the average expenses of living in France as a student in 2026-27 and they will be lower in cities such as Lyon Grenoble than Paris. A lot of students find it affordable, as they share rooms together, seek state support in housing (CAF), and take student discounts. On the whole, the student living in France seems to be cheaper (in comparison with similar countries, such as the UK or the US) as the opportunities of high-level education and system of free services give a better chance to the student to live without any serious money losses.

Cost of Living in France – Accommodation Costs

Housing will likely be your biggest monthly expense. Here's what you can expect:

• University Dorms: €150 – €400/month (₹15,095 – ₹40,255)
• Shared Apartments: €300 – €600/month (₹30,191 – ₹60,382)
• Private Studio in Paris: €800 or more (₹80,509+)

Most students prefer university residences or shared apartments for cost efficiency. Students are also eligible for CAF (housing subsidy) which can reduce rent by up to 35%.

Cost of Living in France – Food & Drink Expenses

Dining in France can be both a cultural experience and a manageable cost.

• Monthly groceries: €200 – €300 (₹20,127 – ₹30,191)
• University cafeteria meals: €3.50 per meal (₹352)
• Eating out: €10 – €20 per meal (₹1,006 – ₹2,013)

Cost of Living in France – Transportation Costs

France’s public transport is reliable, affordable, and student-friendly.

• Monthly transport pass: €30 – €50 (₹3,019 – ₹5,032)
• Some cities offer discounted or free transport for students.
• Biking is common and many cities offer rental schemes.

Rail and bus networks also make intercity travel economical with student discounts.

Cost of Living in France – Utilities and Additional Living Expenses

Apart from rent, utility costs can vary based on location and type of housing.

• Electricity, Heating, Water: €60 – €100/month (₹6,038 – ₹10,064)
• Internet + Mobile: €30 – €40/month (₹3,019 – ₹4,025)

Note: Some student accommodations include these in the rent, so check before signing your lease.

Cost of Living in France – Other Miscellaneous Expenses

These include personal care, clothing, and leisure.

• Gym/fitness membership: €20 – €40/month (₹2,013 – ₹4,025)
• Movie tickets: €10 – €12 (₹1,006 – ₹1,208)
• Books and supplies: €30 – €50/month (₹3,019 – ₹5,032) 

Students often receive discounts at museums, cultural events, and stores with a valid student ID.

Living costs of international students in France depend mainly on your choice of city to live in. Paris is popular by its liveliness and status however other urban cities Grenoble, Toulouse or Lille can provide quality education and lifestyle at a lower price. The following is an overview of monthly expenses in the major cities in France:

Monthly Cost of Living City-wise

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

The most costly student city in France is Paris. As the capital city, it is home to prestigious universities, international brands, as well as rich culture, which makes the city have a high demand and cost of living. Although the academic and networking opportunities in Paris are immense, students are advised to a minimum budget as they may also resort to a subsidy such as CAF to aid the expenses.

Alternatively, towns such as Grenoble, Toulouse, Lille, and Lyon are the best options to students who want to balance their budget at affordable cost and quality education. The cities also offer good transport systems, cheaper rents on housing and discounts to the students, which makes them the perfect choice of an Indian student who does not want his total cost of residing to go out of control without having to forego his lifestyle and studies.

Several scholarships not only cover tuition but also help with living costs. Top options include:

• Charpak Scholarship
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
• Emile Boutmy Scholarship
• IDEX Université Paris-Saclay Scholarship

These scholarships in France provide monthly stipends, accommodation support, and travel allowances, making it more affordable for international students to live and study comfortably.

In comparison to other well-known nations including the UK, the USA, and Canada, this guide breaks down everyday prices for everything from lodging and groceries to transportation. Even though Paris can be pricey, many French cities provide a lifestyle that is both economical and rich in culture.

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

France is much cheaper than other large study-abroad destinations in terms of the cost of living in the country. Coming at an initial price of only €635 (₹63,904) per month, it is already one of the most affordable offers, at least in comparison with UK or USA. Even cities such as Paris can be manageable, although it is a bit costly, but with the help of such student subsidies such as CAF.

Living affordably in France as a student is all about smart planning. Here are a few ways to keep expenses under control without compromising on your experience:

• Apply early for CAF housing aid — This can reduce your rent by up to 35%, making a huge difference in cities like Paris or Lyon.
• Opt for public universities — Institutions like Sorbonne or Paris-Saclay offer top-quality education at significantly lower tuition fees than private ones.
• Cook at home — Grocery shopping and home-cooked meals are far more budget-friendly than frequent dining out.
• Use student discounts — From public transport to cultural sites, your student ID gives you access to major savings.
• Track your spending — Budgeting apps can help you stay on top of your finances and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Knowing how much it costs to live in France is not merely a matter of listing some prices but rather devising a way of life that can sustain you academically without stretching your budget. Whether it is finding ways to counter the price difference between cities or utilising the government relief such as CAF, France has numerous methods that could enable students to spend well within their clever budgets. You can opt to study in a cultural center as Paris, or in a more student friendly city as Lyon or Grenoble, but the only thing that may help your cause is how to balance good cost of living with cost effective living.

How can Leap Scholar help you in your Study abroad journey?

At LeapScholar, we help you move beyond surface-level planning. From uncovering hidden scholarships in France to helping you choose the right university-city fit and creating a personalised cost roadmap, we act as your strategic partner at every step. With data-backed advice and hands-on support, we make sure your dream of studying in France starts strong, stays affordable, and leads to lasting success.