Cost of Living in Paris
While Paris is still undoubtedly expensive, the recent weakening of the euro against the dollar has resulted in a decline in the cost of living, at least on paper. Some statistics rank Paris as the 27th most expensive city in the world, however, if you compare Paris to other European cities, Paris is definitely a bargain. Moscow, Geneva, and Zurich are ranked as the most expensive European cities for ex-pats in Europe.
For more details on the cost of living comparisons, please refer to http://www.finfacts.ie/costofliving.htm.
So statistics aside, when it comes right down to it, Paris is still an expensive city. Rent is high, as is private education. On the other hand, healthcare is socialized and therefore quite inexpensive, if not downright cheap, and the city’s transportation is one of the most reasonably priced in the world. Of course, the cost of living in any city is greatly influenced by your individual standard of living and your means. Here is an example of an average budget for a family with two children.
Accommodation
- 3-bedroom flat in the city center: – 2700 – 4500 euros
Utility Bills
- Water – Almost always included in the rent.
- Gas – 25-45 euros
- Electricity – 50-70 euros
Food
- 1 liter of milk: 1.10 euros
- 1.5 liter of soda: 1.70 euros
- 1 dozen eggs: – 3.94 euros
- 1 loaf of bread: 1.94 euros
- 500 g rice: 1.82 euros
- 500 g flour: 0.85 euros
- 500 g pasta: 1.55 euros
- 500 g butter: 3.80 euros
- 1 kilo potatoes: 1.55 euros
- 1 kilo tomatoes: 1.80 euros
- 1 kilo apples: 2.61 euros
- 1 roasted chicken: 7-10 euros
- 300 g instant coffee: 3.50 euros
- 1 box of cereal: 3.55 euros
- 1 chocolate bar: 1.50 euros
Transport
- Average taxi ride within Paris: 10-20 euros
- Monthly Navigo (citywide bus and metro) pass: 70.00 euros
- 1 liter of gas: 1.50 euros
Leisure
- Cinema ticket: 10-12 euros
- Opera/ballet ticket: 25-120 euros
- Monthly gym membership: 60-120 euros
- Meal for 2 in an upmarket restaurant: 150 euros
- Meal for 4 in a family restaurant: 60 euros
Miscellaneous
- Cable TV: 35-50 euros/month (internet + cable + landline package)
- Home Internet: 40-65 euros/month (internet + cable + landline package)
- Mobile Phone Charges: roughly 45 euros/month
- Landline: 35-45 euros/month (internet + cable + landline package)
- 1 hour of Housekeeping: 8-15 euros
- 1 Hour of Babysitting: 8-15 euros
- Drycleaning of 1 shirt: 6-8 euros
- School Fees: 200-2000 euros/month
