GEC blog
Cost of Living in France by City: Paris, Lyon, Lille, and More
February 18, 2025 6 min read GEC Higher Education
Quick city snapshots
- Paris: housing ~€700–€1,000 (shared/CROUS lower), transport €35–€50 with student pass, food €200–€300.
- Lyon/Lille: often 20–30% cheaper on housing; similar transport/food.
Part-time work
- Visas allow 964 hours/year (~20h/week).
- English-only roles are limited; internships/alternance help if you speak functional French.
Housing tips
We pair program choices with realistic city budgets so tuition and living costs stay aligned.
- Apply early for CROUS/affordable residences.
- Use guarantor services; collect housing proofs for visa files.
- Budget for deposit + first month before arrival.
Next steps
Plan your next move
Use these links to deepen your research, compare programs, and build a shortlist that fits your profile.