Cost of Living in France for Indian Students: Ultimate Guide for 2026-27

The cost of living in France for Indian students in 2026 depends mainly on the city, accommodation type and personal lifestyle. France can be comparatively affordable for students attending public universities, but everyday expenses can become significant, particularly in Paris and other major cities.

Campus France’s current planning figures suggest a monthly student budget of approximately €1,350 in Paris and approximately €940 elsewhere in France. Housing is usually the largest expense, followed by food, transport and everyday spending. Large metropolitan areas can sometimes approach Paris-level costs.

Several important rules also changed in 2026. Housing assistance became more restricted for many non-EU students from July, while the minimum financial resources required for long-stay student visa applications increased to approximately €877.50 per month from 1 August 2026.

This guide explains the expenses Indian students should realistically plan for before moving to France.

Key Takeaways

• • A realistic monthly budget is approximately €1,350 in Paris and approximately €940 elsewhere in France based on current Campus France guidance.

• • Housing is normally the largest expense.

• • CROUS accommodation averages approximately €450 per month in Paris and approximately €350 elsewhere.

• • A private studio can start from approximately €800 per month in Paris and approximately €400 outside Paris.

• • Food can cost approximately €300–€350 per month, depending on location and habits.

• • Since May 2026, CROUS restaurants offer an approximately €1 meal to all eligible students with an active Izly account.

• • Registration in French student social security is free for international students.

• • The CVEC is approximately €105 for 2026–2027 where applicable.

• • Housing-aid rules changed in July 2026, so Indian students should not automatically assume they will receive CAF/APL/ALS support.

• • The student visa financial threshold of approximately €877.50 per month is a legal immigration requirement, not a guarantee that this amount will cover your actual monthly expenses.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in France as a Student?

The answer depends strongly on where you live.

Campus France’s current budget guidance separates France broadly into Paris and the rest of the country:

Monthly Expense	Paris	Rest of France
Accommodation including charges	approximately €800	approximately €500
Food	approximately €350	approximately €300
Cultural and social activities	approximately €150	approximately €100
Transport	approximately €50	approximately €40
Approximate Monthly Total	€1,350	€940

These figures are intended as planning references rather than guaranteed personal costs. Campus France specifically warns that large metropolitan areas can sometimes have prices close to Paris.

For Indian students, it is generally better to build the main budget in euros rather than using a fixed rupee conversion. The EUR/INR exchange rate can change considerably over the course of a degree.

Monthly Student Budget in Paris vs the Rest of France

Paris usually requires the highest student budget because accommodation costs are significantly higher.

A student in Paris living independently may need around €1,350 per month or more, particularly if using private accommodation.

Outside Paris, approximately €940 per month can be a more realistic general planning figure. However, cities such as Lyon and other major metropolitan areas can still be relatively expensive.

A smaller French city may reduce accommodation expenses, but students should not choose a university based only on living costs. Course quality, location, internships and career opportunities also matter.

Student Accommodation Costs in France

Accommodation usually determines whether your France budget remains manageable.

Campus France lists several options ranging from subsidised CROUS rooms to private studios.

CROUS University Residences

CROUS residences are public student residences subsidised by the French government.

Average monthly rent is approximately:

• • €450 in Paris

• • €350 elsewhere in France
    
    

CROUS housing is therefore one of the most affordable options available to international students.

The problem is availability.

Demand is high and the number of rooms is limited, especially in Paris.

For international students applying independently in 2026, Campus France states that applications for available CROUS accommodation can be made through the designated CROUS housing platform from July 7. Exchange students and certain scholarship recipients may follow different procedures through their institution or Campus France.

Apply as early as possible rather than waiting until you arrive in France.

Private Student Residences

Private student residences usually cost more than CROUS accommodation but may include:

• • furnished rooms;

• • internet;

• • laundry facilities;

• • study areas;

• • gyms;

• • common rooms;

• • security services.
    
    

Prices vary considerably by city and residence.

Campus France guidance indicates that private student accommodation can range from approximately €280–€700 per month at the lower end in regional areas, with approximately €600–€1,200 per month possible in Paris.

Always confirm whether electricity, heating, internet and other charges are included.

Private Studios and Shared Apartments

Students unable to secure a residence may rent directly on the private market.

Campus France currently advises budgeting at least approximately:

• • €800 per month for a private studio in Paris

• • €400 per month outside Paris

These are minimum reference points rather than guaranteed market prices.

A shared apartment, called a colocation, can reduce expenses because students divide:

• • rent;

• • electricity;

• • gas;

• • internet;

• • some household costs.
    
    

Shared housing is therefore worth considering for students who want more independence than a residence while keeping costs manageable.

Housing Deposits and Initial Costs

The first month can cost considerably more than a normal month.

In addition to rent, a landlord may request a security deposit.

For a standard main-residence rental, French rules allow a maximum deposit equivalent to approximately:

• • one month’s rent excluding charges for an unfurnished property

• • two months’ rent excluding charges for a furnished property
    
    

A mobility lease operates differently and does not allow a standard security deposit.

Students may also have to budget for:

• • renter’s insurance;

• • basic household items;

• • bedding;

• • kitchen equipment;

• • utility activation;

• • temporary accommodation before the permanent lease begins.
    
    

This is why your arrival budget should be higher than your normal monthly budget.

Food Costs for Indian Students in France

Campus France estimates food spending at approximately €300 per month on average, rising to approximately €350 in its broader Paris budget example.

Students can reduce food expenses significantly by cooking rather than eating out regularly.

A particularly useful 2026 development is the CROUS university restaurant system.

From 4 May 2026, France expanded the approximately €1 CROUS meal to all students, rather than limiting it mainly to scholarship students or students in financial difficulty. An active Izly account is required to access the student rate.

This can make a meaningful difference to a student’s food budget.

Other food expenses can vary widely. Buying groceries from supermarkets, cooking in shared accommodation and using student restaurants will generally cost less than frequent restaurant meals and takeaway food.

Indian students who cook regularly may also want to check whether their neighbourhood has:

• • South Asian grocery stores;

• • Asian supermarkets;

• • affordable fresh produce markets.
    
    

Prices can be higher for imported speciality items, so adapting some meals to local ingredients can help control spending.

Transport Costs for Students in France

Public transport is usually the most practical choice for students living in French cities.

Campus France’s July 2026 budget guidance gives approximate annual student transport costs of:

• • €374.40 per year in Paris

• • approximately €250–€300 per year outside Paris
    
    

Actual prices depend on the city, age and transport network.

Students can also reduce transport costs through:

• • student travel cards;

• • bicycle-sharing systems;

• • walking where accommodation is near campus;

• • SNCF youth discounts for intercity rail travel.
    
    

Your housing location matters here.

A cheaper apartment far from university can become less attractive once commuting time and transport costs are considered.

Healthcare Costs for International Students

One important advantage of studying in France is access to the French healthcare system.

International students who need to register with French social security can do so free of charge. Registration allows students to receive reimbursement for part of eligible healthcare expenses.

Campus France recommends using sector 1 contracted doctors where possible because their charges follow regulated rates and are more predictably reimbursed.

A general practitioner consultation under the referenced sector 1 rate is approximately €30, with part of the amount reimbursed through the health system. University health centres can also provide certain consultations without charge.

Students may additionally choose complementary health insurance, called a mutuelle, to cover part of the expenses not reimbursed by social security.

The price depends on the insurer and coverage, so there is no single cost that applies to every student.

CVEC and Other Annual Student Expenses

The Contribution de vie étudiante et de campus, commonly called CVEC, is separate from tuition and normal living expenses.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, the CVEC is approximately €105 for students who are required to pay it. Some categories qualify for an exemption.

The contribution supports student services such as:

• • health initiatives;

• • sports;

• • cultural activities;

• • student associations;

• • social support;

• • campus facilities.
    
    

Students should therefore include the CVEC in their annual budget even though it is not a monthly living expense.

Can Indian Students Get Housing Assistance in France in 2026?

This section is especially important because many older France study guides are now outdated.

French housing-aid rules changed from 1 July 2026 for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland.

Indian students should therefore not automatically assume that they will receive CAF, APL or ALS simply because they hold a student residence permit.

For ALS specifically, Service Public states that a non-EU student holding a study residence permit can qualify only in certain cases, including where the student:

• • receives a qualifying social scholarship;

• • carries out professional employment; or

• • has an apprenticeship or professionalisation contract.
    
    

Campus France also confirms that personal housing-aid rules became more restrictive for non-EU international students from July 2026, with specific exceptions remaining.

This is a major budgeting change.

Older websites may still advise Indian students to assume that CAF will automatically reduce their rent. That is no longer a safe financial assumption for 2026.

Build your budget without housing aid first. If you later qualify, treat it as additional financial relief.

France Student Visa Financial Requirement vs Real Living Costs

From 1 August 2026, students submitting new long-stay French study visa applications must demonstrate financial resources of at least approximately €877.50 per month.

However, this number should not be confused with the actual monthly cost of living.

Campus France’s broad 2026 budget guidance estimates:

• • approximately €1,350 per month in Paris

• • approximately €940 per month elsewhere in France
    
    

That means the visa resource threshold is an immigration minimum, not a promise that approximately €877.50 will comfortably fund every student’s lifestyle.

A student living alone in Paris may need considerably more.

Students preparing financial documents should also remember that admission to a French university and visa approval are separate decisions.

Cost of Living in Paris vs Other French Cities

The largest cost difference normally comes from housing.

Paris

Paris offers:

• • major universities;

• • international employers;

• • research institutions;

• • cultural opportunities;

• • extensive public transport.
    
    

However, the monthly budget is approximately €1,350 under the Campus France planning model, and private accommodation can cost considerably more depending on location.

Lyon and Other Major Metropolitan Areas

Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nice and other major cities may be cheaper than central Paris, but students should not assume they are low-cost destinations.

Campus France specifically warns that prices in large metropolitan areas can sometimes approach those of Paris.

Smaller and Regional Cities

Regional locations may offer:

• • lower rent;

• • shorter commutes;

• • more affordable private accommodation;

• • lower overall monthly spending.
    
    

Campus France’s general non-Paris budget reference is approximately €940 per month.

The cheapest city is not automatically the best choice. The programme itself should remain the main academic consideration.

First-Month Expenses Indian Students Should Plan For

The first month in France is usually more expensive than later months.

Before travelling, prepare for expenses such as:

• • first month’s rent;

• • security deposit;

• • temporary accommodation if necessary;

• • CVEC where applicable;

• • transport pass;

• • household supplies;

• • bedding and kitchen items;

• • SIM card;

• • insurance;

• • university administrative expenses;

• • visa-related expenses;

• • initial groceries.
    
    

For private accommodation, the security deposit alone can represent approximately one month’s rent for an unfurnished property or approximately two months for a furnished property.

Keep an emergency reserve rather than arriving with only the exact amount needed for your first monthly budget.

How to Reduce Your Cost of Living in France

A few decisions can reduce the total budget significantly.

1. • Apply for CROUS housing early. At approximately €450 in Paris and approximately €350 elsewhere on average, it can be considerably cheaper than private accommodation.

1. • Consider shared accommodation. Splitting rent, internet and utilities can reduce monthly housing expenses.

1. • Use CROUS restaurants. Since May 2026, eligible students can access approximately €1 meals through the CROUS system with an active Izly account.

1. • Choose accommodation near campus. A slightly higher rent can sometimes save money and time on commuting.

1. • Use student transport discounts. Student fares can make annual public transportation considerably cheaper.

1. • Cook regularly. Campus France estimates average food expenses of approximately €300 per month, but individual habits make a major difference.

1. • Use your student card. Cultural venues, cinemas, transport providers and other organisations often offer student or youth discounts.

1. • Do not budget assuming housing aid. The 2026 rules for non-EU students have become more restrictive.

Sample Student Budgets for 2026

The following examples use Campus France’s current planning figures.

Expense	Paris Student	Student Outside Paris
Housing	approximately €800	approximately €500
Food	approximately €350	approximately €300
Transport	approximately €50	approximately €40
Social/cultural spending	approximately €150	approximately €100
Estimated Monthly Total	approximately €1,350	approximately €940

These figures do not include tuition.

They also do not necessarily include:

• • flights;

• • security deposit;

• • CVEC;

• • visa costs;

• • major travel;

• • laptop or academic equipment;

• • unexpected medical expenses;

• • substantial personal shopping.
    
    

Use them as a starting point rather than a guaranteed monthly figure.

Common Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid

Indian students planning France should avoid several common errors:

• Using the visa threshold as the full monthly budget. Approximately €877.50 is a financial-resource requirement, not an average Paris living cost.

• Assuming housing aid is guaranteed. Rules changed significantly in July 2026.

• Budgeting only for tuition. Rent can easily become the largest annual expense.

• Ignoring the first month’s deposit. Moving into private accommodation can require substantially more money upfront.

• Assuming Paris and regional France cost the same. Housing creates a large difference.

• Using outdated CROUS food information. From May 2026, the approximately €1 meal was expanded to all eligible students.

• Converting the entire degree budget into rupees once. Exchange rates change. Keep the core financial plan in euros.

• Depending entirely on a part-time job. Employment availability and working hours are not guaranteed.

• Choosing accommodation only by rent. Add commuting costs and travel time.

1.  

Forgetting annual expenses such as CVEC. Small mandatory costs can add up

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the cost of living in France for Indian students per month?

Campus France’s current planning figures suggest approximately €1,350 per month in Paris and approximately €940 per month elsewhere in France. Actual costs depend mainly on accommodation and lifestyle.

Is approximately €877.50 per month enough to live in France?

It may be possible in certain lower-cost situations, but it should not be treated as a comfortable universal student budget.

Approximately €877.50 is the minimum financial-resource requirement applying to affected long-stay student visa applications from 1 August 2026. Campus France’s general monthly budget estimate is higher, especially in Paris.

How much is student accommodation in France?

Campus France lists CROUS accommodation at approximately €450 per month in Paris and approximately €350 elsewhere on average.

A private studio can start at approximately €800 in Paris and approximately €400 outside Paris.

How much does food cost for a student in France?

Campus France estimates average food expenditure at approximately €300 per month, although Paris and individual lifestyle choices can increase the amount.

Are CROUS meals really approximately €1 in 2026?

Yes. From 4 May 2026, the approximately €1 CROUS meal became available to all students meeting the student-status and Izly requirements.

Can Indian students receive CAF housing assistance in France?

Students should not assume they are automatically eligible.

Rules changed from July 2026 for non-EU students. Eligibility now depends on specific conditions, including factors such as employment, qualifying social scholarships or apprenticeship/professionalisation status in relevant housing-aid schemes.

Is healthcare expensive for Indian students in France?

Registration with French student social security is free for international students who are required to register. The system reimburses part of eligible healthcare costs.

Students may optionally purchase complementary insurance for additional coverage.

Is Paris too expensive for international students?

Paris is France’s more expensive student destination, particularly for accommodation, but students can reduce costs through CROUS housing, shared accommodation, student transport fares and university restaurants.

Campus France uses approximately €1,350 per month as a current general planning figure for Paris.

Inference

The cost of living in France for Indian students in 2026 is best planned at approximately €1,350 per month in Paris and approximately €940 per month outside Paris as broad Campus France references. Housing is usually the largest expense, so accommodation choice can change the total budget dramatically.

Indian students should also pay particular attention to the 2026 rule changes. Housing assistance for many non-EU students became more restricted from July, while the long-stay student visa resource requirement increased to approximately €877.50 per month from August.

Build your budget without assuming a housing subsidy or part-time job, prepare extra money for your first month, and compare total living costs alongside university tuition before selecting a French study destination.

This article is for educational and informational purposes. University admission requirements, tuition fees, visa rules, scholarships, immigration policies and post-study opportunities may change. Students should verify the latest information with the relevant university, government authority, immigration department, embassy or official source before making a decision.

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