Four ways you can enjoy Paris on a student budget

While the glamour of Paris probably had most of us dreaming before our arrival, for many students, the city’s cost of living can quickly turn into a nightmare. 

For the most part, Paris can be relatively cheaper than other metropolitan areas in Europe. Last year, the French capital was listed as the 11th most expensive European city — according to a ranking by ECA. However, when it comes to property prices, Paris jumps to the top of the list, making rental costs one of the biggest financial burdens for students. (For tips on affordable student housing, check out this article). 

If you’re struggling to make ends meet, don’t worry! With the right amount of creativity (and some sacrifices), it is possible to live on a tight budget and still enjoy Paris and all that it is known for — fashion, gastronomy and culture. 

Fashion: knowing when and where to go shopping

If you want to renew your wardrobe without stretching your wallet, strolling on the Champs-Elysées is definitely not the best choice.

Vintage clothing has become a widely popular alternative in Paris. If you don’t mind buying second-hand clothes, some thrift shops like Emmaus or Guérisol offer garments for under 10 euros a piece. Avoid the stores around Châtelet as they tend to be more expensive. 

And in case you prefer brand-new clothes, you can get significant discounts if you wait until les soldes. Twice a year, all shops in France join a 4-week sales period, which takes place in the winter (between January and February) and the summer (between June and July). 

Food: keeping both your wallet and waistline in check

While eating on campus, your cheapest option might be Les Crous, a chain of university restaurants where meals can cost as little as 3 euros. Don’t expect a menu with top-quality options but the low price can certainly help you save money.

If you’re looking for cheap and tasty, try your luck with the mobile app, Too Good To Go. You can save money and reduce food waste at the same time. The app allows restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets to sell food at a discounted price that might otherwise be thrown away at the end of the day. Choose your meals or products and pick them up at the selected store. This is a convenient option when you don’t want to cook, but not ideal if you’re watching your waistline.

If you prefer (and have the luxury of time) to prepare your own meals, consider collecting one of the paniers solidaires, food baskets distributed by student associations at some university campuses. Students from Sciences Po Paris can collect a free food basket from Linkee or buy low-cost products at La Grenade (normally 20% cheaper than the average supermarket).

Drinks: Happy hour with Mister Good Beer 

If you don’t know your way around Paris, you could easily end up paying 10 euros for a pint of beer (50cl) or as much as 15 euros for a cocktail. Luckily, most Parisian bars have a happy-hour menu — that sometimes is available until 11 pm!

Unlike other French cities where drink prices hardly vary from one bar to the next, Paris has the advantage of being a large city with plenty of competition that drives prices down. 

And thanks to the Mister Good Beer mobile app, you can explore the cheapest offers before going out. Don’t be surprised if you spot a pint of beer for as little as 3 to 5 euros. But remember, French beers are relatively strong. So drink responsibly!

Culture: high-quality art at a low cost

The City of Paris goes the extra mile to make culture accessible and affordable to the youth. For instance, access to this long list of museums and monuments is free for all European Union citizens under the age of 26. If you come from another continent, in most cases, you can still ask for a discounted price with your student card. Alternatively, you can explore these exhibitions that are free for everybody. 

If you are a movie lover, most Parisian cinemas have affordable options for students. The UGC pass offers unlimited access to as many movies as you’d like for only 20 euros per month. The 35 euros monthly pass allows you to take a friend with you every time.

But if you only go to the movies occasionally, avoid the weekends. On weeknights, MK2 cinemas and many independent theaters offer tickets for about 5 euros for anyone under the age of 26.  

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