How much should I budget per month for living costs as an Indian student in France?
The average student cost of living in France ranges from about EUR 600 to EUR 800 per month, with Paris closer to EUR 1,000. Regional cities such as Toulouse cost less, while Paris sits at the highest end. Your actual spend depends on your city, accommodation and lifestyle.
As an Indian student in France, you can expect to spend roughly EUR 600 to 800 (approx INR 65,556 to 87,408) per month. Paris costs more, at around EUR 1,000 per month, while regional cities such as Toulouse cost less.
Monthly living cost range
| City type | Monthly cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Overall range | 600 to 800 (approx INR 65,556 to 87,408) |
| Regional cities such as Toulouse | Around 800 |
| Paris | Around 1,000 |
Cities to compare
- International students study in cities such as Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, Bordeaux and Montpellier.
- The right city depends on your university, course, budget and lifestyle preference.
- You can study in France without French if your programme is taught in English, though basic French helps in daily life.
My Advice
Build your budget around a specific city rather than the national range. Check rent near your university first, since accommodation usually decides where you land between EUR 600 and EUR 800, and add a small buffer for winter clothing and travel in your first months.
This information is available on: inde.campusfrance.org
More expert answers
Handle the big bills first, then plan smaller daily spending. Housing, food, transport and health cover are where most students can save the most in France.
Where to save
| Cost area | Ways to save |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Choose shared housing or student residences, compare rent across neighbourhoods, apply early for CROUS because demand can be high, and check whether you qualify for housing assistance |
| Food | Cook at home, compare supermarket prices, use university dining and student-priced meals |
| Transport | Use public transport, use student or youth discounts, and consider cycling if you live close to campus |
| Health | Foreign students should request social security registration before arriving (EU/EEA students may not need it), understand what is reimbursed and consider supplementary cover if needed |
| Leisure | Look for student prices at museums, cinemas and cultural centres, and ask about student offers |
Build a monthly system
- Record rent, meals, travel and leisure spending every month.
- Limit spending on non-essentials.
- Keep an emergency fund outside your monthly budget.
- Review your spending after one month and adjust.
My Advice
Set a monthly limit for each category before you arrive and adjust it once you know your real costs. Your city and lifestyle change the numbers, so leave a buffer and keep your emergency fund untouched.
How much will a month in France cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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