The opportunity to study in France is a dream of the majority of Indian learners, yet knowing the actual costs of living is as crucial as getting admission. It’s true that France has a great education system as well as a thriving life, however the cost of living aren’t the same based of the town you pick along with your lifestyle and how well you budget.
This guide explains the costs you’ll be facing when you’re an Indian student in France including the cost of accommodation, food, transport and healthcare as well as daily basics. You’ll know exactly what you can expect prior to your arrive.
Average Cost of Living in France for Indian Students
Cost of living for France is a range of EUR800 to 1,200 euros monthly for college students. Cities such as Paris are much more costly and smaller towns provide inexpensive options.
Cost Breakdown (Monthly Estimates)
- Accommodation: EUR300 – EUR700
- Food & Groceries: EUR200 – EUR350
- Transportation: EUR30 – EUR75
- Health Insurance: EUR20 – EUR50
- Miscellaneous (entertainment, shopping, etc.): EUR100 – EUR200
Accommodation Costs in France
The right place to live is the most difficult thing to Indian student.
Student Residences (CROUS)
Cost: EUR200 – EUR400 per month
Government-subsidized and highly affordable, but availability is limited.
Private Apartments
Cost: EUR500 – EUR1,200 per month
Costs more, particularly in Paris. However, it provides security and can be used with a variety of settings.
Shared Apartments
Cost: EUR300 – EUR600 per month
Rent splits reduce costs and improves the social network.
Food and Grocery Expenses
French culinary culture can be amazing, however eating out frequently will add to costs.
Cooking at Home
Groceries: EUR150 – EUR250 per month
Local supermarkets such as Carrefour, Lidl, and Franprix are affordable.
Eating Out
- University canteen meals: EUR3 – EUR5
- Restaurant meal: EUR10 – EUR20 per person
- Fast food: EUR7 – EUR10
Transportation Costs
Transport in France is reliable and student-friendly.
Monthly Passes
- Paris: ~EUR75 (Navigo pass)
- Smaller cities: EUR30 – EUR50
Alternatives
- Cycling: Numerous cities have bike sharing systems at affordable prices.
- Walking: Many campuses of universities are located centrally.
Healthcare and Insurance
All students from abroad in France need health insurance.
Costs for Indian Students
- Public insurance (Securite Sociale): Around EUR20 – EUR30 per month
- Private top-up insurance: EUR20 – EUR50 per month
Medical Consultation
Doctor’s visit: ~EUR25
With insurance coverage, a substantial part of the cost is refunded.
Miscellaneous Living Expenses
Entertainment
- Movie ticket: EUR8 – EUR12
- Gym membership: EUR20 – EUR40 per month
- A night out with your friends: EUR20 – EUR40
Clothing and Shopping
Zara, H&M, and local French brands are priced similarly to India.
Sale during season (Soldes) provide massive discounts twice each year.
Cheapest and Most Expensive Cities in France
Expensive Cities
- Paris: EUR1,200 – EUR1,800 per month
- Lyon and Marseille: EUR900 – EUR1,200 per month
Affordable Cities
- Lille, Grenoble, Montpellier: EUR700 – EUR900 per month
- Smaller towns near universities: as low as EUR600 per month
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in France
Apply for Housing Subsidies (CAF)
Indian students may apply for a government-funded Housing allowance (CAF) which can reduce the rent to EUR100 or EUR200 each month.
Use Student Discounts
From transportation passes to museum tickets, students can enjoy discounts almost everywhere.
Part-Time Work
Students from abroad can legally be allowed to work up to 20 hours a week. On average, jobs pay EUR8 – EUR12 per hour, helping cover living costs.
Cook Instead of Eating Out
Cooking at home cuts food costs by half compared to dining out daily.
Budgeting Example for an Indian Student in France
Here’s a reasonable monthly budget for students living outside of Paris:
- Rent (shared apartment): EUR400
- Food & groceries: EUR200
- Transport: EUR40
- Health insurance: EUR25
- Entertainment & shopping: EUR100
Total: ~EUR765 per month
With the help of CAF housing the cost could drop even further.
Cost of Living in France for Indian Students in 2025
If you’re wondering about the costs to live within France as an Indian student in the year 2025, you’re likely considering tuition, rent, food, and daily costs. Let’s look at it in detail so that you don’t just understand the numbers, but also how to handle them effectively.
What is the Cost of Living in France for Indian Students?
Costs of living in France for Indian students include the amount you require every month for transportation, food, housing, health insurance, study materials, and personal expenses.
On average in 2025, Indian students can expect to spend EUR850-EUR1,200 per month (Rs77,000-Rs1,09,000). The exact number will vary based on the location, lifestyle, and housing type.
Quick Breakdown of Monthly Costs in 2025
- Housing: EUR400–700 (student dorms are less expensive, Paris is the most expensive)
- Food & Groceries: EUR200–EUR300
- Transportation: EUR30–EUR75 (monthly metro/bus pass)
- Health Insurance: EUR20–EUR40
- Study Materials: EUR40–EUR60
- Personal & Leisure: EUR100–EUR200
That puts you in the region of EUR850–1200 per month.
6 Common Causes of Cost of Living Problems for Indian Students
- Underestimating rent in bigger cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice
- Currency fluctuations between Euro and INR
- Limited part-time job income due to language barriers
- Unexpected health expenses not covered by basic insurance
- Lifestyle overspending on eating out, shopping, or travel
- Hidden university fees like lab charges, exams, or student unions
13 Tips for Cost of Living Management in 2025
- Apply early for CROUS student housing (government dorms).
- Share an apartment with fellow students to lower rent.
- Make meals at home rather than eating at restaurants.
- Use discount supermarket chains like Lidl or Aldi.
- Apply for a student metro pass (Navigo, TCL, RTM).
- Track expenses with apps like YNAB or Mint.
- Use student discounts on transportation, events, and museums.
- Buy second-hand books and bicycles.
- Utilize free libraries at universities instead of co-working spaces.
- Find part-time jobs in restaurants, tutoring, or delivery.
- Stop unnecessary subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify).
- Travel using budget airlines and student train discounts.
- Create a modest emergency fund before leaving India.
Experts & Influencers on Cost of Living in France
- Campus France India publishes updated guides for Indian students.
- Education in Europe YouTubers share real expenses.
- Indian students in France (Facebook Group) exchange updates on jobs, rent, and costs.
- Influencers like Tanmay Bhatt (Life in Europe Vlogs) and Desi in Paris share real monthly budgets.
Different Points of View
Many students believe France is reasonably priced compared to the UK or USA because of subsidised education and affordable housing. Others argue Paris is costly, while smaller cities such as Grenoble, Lille, or Toulouse are budget-friendly.
Statistics on Cost of Living (2025)
- Numbeo 2025: Paris rent is 45% higher than Lyon.
- OECD Data: Average student spends EUR10,200 annually in France.
- Indian Embassy report: 40% of Indian students in France depend on part-time jobs.
Case Study: An Indian Student in Lyon
Priya, 23, from Bangalore is studying Data Science in Lyon.
She pays EUR450 for rent in a shared apartment, EUR220 for food, EUR32 for transport, and EUR40 for health insurance.
Her total: EUR950 per month. She offsets this with tutoring, earning EUR300–400 monthly.
By cooking at home, sharing rides, and buying second-hand items, she saves about EUR150 each month.
Her story shows that with smart planning, France is manageable on a student budget.
Why Managing Cost of Living Matters
Managing living costs isn’t just about money. It affects your quality of life, study focus, and well-being. With good expense management, you’ll have flexibility to explore France, travel across Europe, and enjoy memorable experiences.
Three Expert Article Titles
- “Cost of Living in France for Indian Students: A Budget Guide” – Honey (upGrad, March 19, 2025)
- “Cost of Living in France for Indian Students 2025” – Priya Garg (Shiksha, March 24, 2025)
- “Cost of Living in France for Indian Students 2025 – Know Expenses” – Prabhjyot Kaur (Careers360, July 5, 2025)
Two Expert Quotes on the Topic
Quote 1 – Honey (upGrad Guide)
“On average, international students spend EUR800–EUR1,400 (Rs72K–Rs1.26L) per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.”
Quote 2 – Priya Garg (Shiksha Article)
“France as a country is basically towards the expensive side as compared to other study-abroad destinations… the biggest would be the rentals/accommodation as well as the cost of food and sustenance.”
What This Really Means
- Monthly reality check: EUR800 in smaller cities, EUR1,400 in Paris.
- Biggest expenses: Food and accommodation.
- City gap: Paris inflates costs, Lyon/Lille/Toulouse are far more affordable.
How LetzStudy helped Karnataka Students and the Cost of Living in France with LetzStudy
1. Shashank Rao – Udupi
Shashank wanted to pursue Data Science in Paris but worried about monthly expenses. LetzStudy showed him that Lyon was 30% cheaper than Paris. With advice on shared rentals, student discounts, and part-time work, he cut his expenses to under EUR800.
2. Ananya Shetty – Mangalore
Ananya was admitted to a program in Bordeaux and worried about housing and food. LetzStudy helped her apply for CROUS student housing and CAF subsidies. She managed to balance costs and still travel around France.
3. Kiran Gowda – Mysore
Kiran went to Toulouse for engineering. Unsure about transport and expenses, he got LetzStudy’s advice on metro passes, cheap cafeterias, and part-time job rules. He kept his costs near EUR700 per month.
Want the same clarity and support as Shashank, Ananya, and Kiran? Contact LetzStudy now and schedule an appointment to plan your France journey.
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