Moving to Paris? Learn how to navigate housing, lifestyle, and paperwork in France’s iconic — and surprisingly complex — capital.
Paris is a city people dream about — but living here is a very different experience from visiting on vacation. It’s beautiful, yes. But it’s also expensive, intense, and layered with bureaucracy. If you’re planning to move to Paris for real, not just for romance, here’s what you need to know.
Key Facts About Paris (France)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~2.1 million (city), ~11 million (metro area) |
| Language | French |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Average Rent | €1,200–2,500/month (1-bedroom apartment in the city) |
| Average Net Salary | ~€2,500–3,200 |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory; covers a large portion of medical expenses |
| Safety Level | Medium – depends heavily on the district |
| Public Transport | Excellent: metro, buses, RER. Monthly pass ~€85 |
| Climate | Mild – cool winters, warm summers |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Available for work, study, entrepreneurship, family reunification |
| Education | One of Europe’s leading academic hubs |
| Grocery Prices | Expensive, especially in central areas |
| Access to Nature | Parks, Seine riverbanks, easy access to countryside |
| City Atmosphere | Historic, fast-paced, and culturally rich |
Renting a Home: Beautiful, Small, and Expensive
Finding an apartment in Paris can feel like solving a puzzle. Studios under 20 m² are common, and anything over 25 m² in central districts is considered spacious. Most rentals come furnished or semi-furnished — usually with a kitchenette, but outdated appliances are the norm.
Prices are steep: one-bedroom apartments typically start around €900–1000, and can quickly reach €1300 or more in central areas. Landlords almost always require a guarantor with a French income, or proof of steady earnings several times the rent. Expect to pay a deposit plus the first month upfront.
Where to Search Without Getting Lost
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own vibe and price tag. Before signing anything, get to know the layout of the city — what looks romantic in photos may not suit daily life.
To save time, you can browse long-term rental listings in Paris directly here. Filter by district, price, and size — especially helpful if you’re searching from abroad.
Residency and Paperwork
To stay long-term, you’ll need a titre de séjour (residence permit), which can be issued for work, study, family reunification, or self-employment. France requires a lot of paperwork: proof of housing, insurance, income, and reason for staying.
If you’re not an EU citizen, prepare for delays, multiple appointments, and long queues at the local prefecture. But unlike many countries, France does offer long-term integration pathways — if you follow the rules.
Language: English Alone Won’t Get You Far
In Paris, you can’t live long-term without French. Even in creative industries or international companies, B1-level French is often the minimum. And for everyday life — post offices, banks, health appointments — it’s essential.
Government-subsidized language courses are available in most districts, and new residents with permits are often eligible for free classes.
Where to Live in Paris
The 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th arrondissements are postcard-perfect — and almost completely unaffordable for residents.
The 10th and 11th are younger, more lively, and full of cafes and late-night life.
The 15th and 17th are calm and upper-middle-class.
The 18th and 20th are more multicultural and chaotic — but full of personality.
If your budget is tight, consider the suburbs (banlieue): Issy-les-Moulineaux, Montreuil, or Saint-Denis. Commutes into the city take 20–40 minutes by RER or metro.
Top 5 Best Districts in Paris for Long-Term Living
| District | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. Le Marais (3rd, 4th) | Historic and artistic, full of museums, galleries, cafés. Culturally vibrant and central. |
| 2. 7th arrondissement | Near the Eiffel Tower and Seine. Prestigious, calm, great schools. Elegant and residential. |
| 3. 15th arrondissement | Peaceful and residential with strong public transport. Popular with families. |
| 4. 5th arrondissement (Latin Quarter) | Youthful and academic. Close to universities, lively cafés, and bookstores. Energetic vibe. |
| 5. Boulogne-Billancourt | Western suburb. Green, safe, family-oriented. A quieter lifestyle just outside the city center. |
Cost of Living
- Apartment rent: €1000–1800 depending on size and location
- Utilities: €100–200
- Public transport (Navigo pass): €86/month
- Groceries: ~€300–400/month for one person
- Eating out: €15+ for lunch, €4+ for coffee and croissant
Paris is not cheap, but costs can be managed with planning — and cooking at home helps a lot.
Work: Opportunities and Expectations
Jobs in Paris are competitive — and French is often non-negotiable. In-demand sectors include IT, medicine, logistics, fashion, construction, and digital media. Freelancers can register under the auto-entrepreneur system, which is tax-friendly and entirely online.
Average post-tax salaries range from €1800 to €2500/month, but vary greatly by field.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €4,500 |
| IT Project Manager | €5,200 |
| UX/UI Designer | €4,000 |
| Architect | €3,800 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €4,200 |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | €6,500 |
| Nurse | €3,000 |
| High School Teacher | €3,200 |
| Marketing Specialist | €3,900 |
| Accountant | €3,800 |
Healthcare: Excellent, but Structured
France’s healthcare system is top-notch, but access is formal. Appointments with general practitioners are easy to book — but specialists often have long wait times. You’ll need health insurance: either public (sécurité sociale) or private coverage until you’re eligible for state benefits.
In Paris, it’s fairly easy to find doctors who speak English, especially in private clinics.
Final Thoughts: Is Paris Right for You?
Paris is a dream — but not for dreamers. It’s a city of contrast, complexity, and administration. But for those willing to adapt, learn the language, and navigate the paperwork, it offers a lifestyle like no other. Culture, energy, opportunity — and a rhythm that’s addictive once you understand it.
If you’re serious about staying, and not afraid of a bit of chaos with your charm — Paris can be home.
Also check out our article on Moving to Warsaw