Budgeting for a Paris Trip: What Things Really Cost

Paris draws millions of visitors with its landmarks, cuisine, culture, and art. Each year, crowds flock to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and other celebrated sights.

So does a Paris trip have to be costly?

As a dream destination, the city does tend toward higher prices, particularly when set beside less famous European cities such as Prague.

Still, there are ways to bring the cost of a Paris trip down. Smart planning and local know-how can shave a meaningful percentage off your total.

Below is a price guide and a set of practical pointers to help you enjoy Paris on a budget.

What Does a Paris Trip Cost on Average?

There is no single average figure, since the total depends on when you go and what you plan to do. A realistic estimate means looking at the whole picture. A holiday budget typically covers:

• Getting there
• Accommodation and expected nightly rates
• Affordable transport within and around the city
• Food, including an average restaurant price
• Extras such as nights out and tipping

The Eiffel Tower

The figures below are best estimates; actual prices shift somewhat with exchange rates and other factors.

France uses the Euro, but for simplicity most prices here are given in US dollars. Use a current converter to check today's value.

The table summarizes likely Paris travel costs as a daily average and for a two-week stay.

Three Days in Paris: Travel Costs

Airfare to Paris

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $750 for a round-trip ticket

Many of the roughly 17 million annual tourists reach Paris by air via Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport. The city sits centrally in Europe, so flights should be relatively easy to find from most origins.

If saving matters, look into seasonal pricing. Most international airports have periods during the year when fares are lower.

As a rough guide, expect these fares from major hubs:

• New York to Charles de Gaulle International Airport: $300-900 USD
• London to Charles de Gaulle International Airport: £50-160 GBP
• Sydney to Charles de Gaulle International Airport: $950- 3500 AUD
• Vancouver to Charles de Gaulle International Airport: $700-2000 CAN

If you hold a loyalty membership, put those free miles to work on this trip and keep more Euros for other spending. That is a useful tactic for a costly city.

You can also hunt for special deals and error fares if you are willing to dig. The effort may pay off with notable savings on the trip to Paris.

Accommodation Prices in Paris

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $70-$200/day

After flights, lodging is usually the largest planned expense of a holiday. For hotels, Paris can rank among the world's most expensive cities. Stay beside the best-known sights and your wallet will feel it.

A hotel farther out in the suburbs is an option, but commuting takes time you could spend enjoying the city. A hostel or an Airbnb may work better; both tend to cost less or deliver better value than hotels, especially for certain travelers.

Paris has a good number of homestays, which are affordable as well, though you will have less social contact than in a hostel. For something distinctive, a lodge in Paris is also worth considering.

Hostels are social places where you meet adventurous travelers from around the world. Airbnbs give more privacy to couples, groups, or solo visitors who prefer independence. Either way, both are worth checking.

Hostels in Paris

If you are on the move, young at heart, and happy to swap adventure stories with other travelers, and you do not mind a casual atmosphere with the occasional party, Paris hostels suit you. They are the cheapest accommodation type and help keep the budget low.

A dorm bed at one of Paris's cheapest hostels can cost as little as $30 per night, while a private room runs from $50-100 or more. Note that a hotel or hostel stay may carry an added city tax, usually around $3.

Plenty of cheap Paris hostels sit right in the city centre, many near transport links, which makes them handy for exploring the best parts of town. Here are a few good-value hostels in Paris.

• Absolute Paris Boutique Hostel: Beside the Canal St Martin and Republique square, right in the middle of everything. Walk to great attractions or major museums from here.
• The People Hostel – Paris 12 In the 12th District, this newly-built hostel has a cool rooftop area with a view over Paris, and is just a few metro stops from the Gare de Lyon.
• Beautiful City Hostel In the heart of the movie-famous bar and pub-populated Belleville district (no triplets, though). And it has free breakfast!

Airbnbs in Paris

Prefer quiet time on vacation over hanging out with strangers? Like to cook your own meals and save a little? An apartment may fit better, and Airbnb is where to find one.

Airbnb apartments are a sensible choice at about $70 per night for a small studio, or $400 for something quite special. An apartment offers things hostels or hotels cannot: space of your own (bathrooms, living areas, and so on) is convenient; self-catering cuts restaurant costs and avoids room-service charges; and you come and go as you please.

Space is at a premium in Paris, so on a tight budget expect cute and charming rather than big and sprawling. Here are three apartment options on Airbnb.

• Lovely Loft Saint-Germain des Pres: Newly renovated with an Italian shower, and 3-minute walk from Parc de Luxembourg. The ideal spot to walk the districts of St Germain, St Michel, and Odeon.
• Appartement Vue Tour Eiffel- Bail mobilité: A pretty sleepover in a picturesque neighborhood, with a gorgeous balcony. And yes, you can see the Eiffel Tower from here!
• Walk to the Eiffel Tower From a Modern Home: If you’ve got a bit more to spend, here’s a gorgeous luxury option. Think high ceilings and chandeliers, and chic, modern decor. Simply divine.

Hotels in Paris

Hotels can start around $70 per night and rise with fanciness or proximity to the city centre. Higher rates usually mean more facilities, such as excellent housekeeping, restaurant or concierge service, a gym, or a pool.

For that mythical Paris vacation feeling, a hotel is the way to go, but be warned: it gets pricey, especially in high season. The upside is that high-end service in Paris is truly exceptional, and luxury hotels with prize restaurants tend to pride themselves on their chefs and gastronomic reputations.

Here are a few good-value options.

• Hotel Design Secret de Paris: Besides the beautiful boutique rooms, the hotel offers a sauna and hammam. You’ve been warmed, you may not want to leave.
• liHôtel De Castiglione: Situated in the heart of designer boutique heaven and the Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where the hotel is situated, the hotel is less than ten minutes from the Champs-Elysées by foot.
• ibis Paris Avenue de la Republique: Fewer frills, but appropriately budget-friendly. Take advantage of the buffet breakfast, which includes delicious pastries and essential fruits and juice.

Transport Costs in Paris

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $2-$15/day

Public transport in Paris is very affordable, and much of the city is walkable, depending on where you stay. If walking will not get you there, the bus, train, or metro will. Rental bikes are also available across the city.

Buses run efficiently all day. Private taxis are an option if you want convenience and privacy at extra cost, but the Vélib bike rental system is popular for daytime use and cheap at around $1 per day.

A single T+ ticket for bus, metro, train, or tram can be bought at any metro station. Within zones 1 and 2 (the city center) these cost under $2. A pack of ten one-way trips comes at a slight discount per ride. The one-day Mobilis or five-day Paris Visite unlimited travel tickets are the best options, though.

Train Travel in Paris

The Paris metro is stylish and fairly reliable (except during strikes). It moves quickly, is comfortable, and is the best way to travel cheaply in Paris. It is also easy to understand, with each line displaying a designated color.

The same T+ ticket used on the bus works on the metro, so a standard single trip within zones 1 and 2 costs under $2. Watch peak times, when some lines become extremely crowded and a nightmare to navigate.

Also consider the RER, a cross between a train and metro, as a key supplement to the metro. You will need the RER to leave the city center, for the airport for example. It also links outer suburbs to the main city. Fares vary with distance, from around $2 to $14 maximum.

A more conventional train service exists but is mainly used for a wider regional reach. You may still need it to reach one or two Paris attractions farther out, such as Chantilly or Versailles.

Bus Travel in Paris

Buses are a bit less reliable than the metro because Paris traffic is so dense, so journeys take much longer. On the bright side, a slow ride lets you take in the scenery.

Single tickets cost about $2 and can be bought from the driver. A pre-purchased T+ ticket can also be used within 90 minutes of first activation; this is the same ticket that works on the metro. Regular bus service does not run all night, but a night bus service exists if you are desperate.

Renting a Scooter or Bicycle in Paris

Fun little electric stand-up scooters are gaining popularity among tourists. They can be rented from one of two main companies; Lime and Bird. Renting a scooter in Paris is cheap, and located and accessed via an app. Expect to pay around $1 to unlock, and then 15c per minute of travel time. You can dock the scooters at several drop-offs/pickups around the city.

Paris also runs a huge bicycle rental scheme called the Vélib. You rent one of more than 20,000 bikes on a per-day or weekly basis. They are also easily available, with almost 1800 pickup stations dotted around the city, open 24 hours a day. If you’re staying in Paris over the weekend, we’d really recommend riding around the city at your own pace and following our Paris itinerary to make the most of your trip!

Bikes are charged to your credit card and require a deposit of around $170. From there, charges get a bit more complicated, starting with a flat fee for a certain number of trips. Longer rides may mean extra charges, so read the terms beforehand.

It is best not to cycle in Paris during heavy traffic periods, though. Many consider it too hectic to negotiate the right of way with stressed Parisian drivers. To stay safe in Paris, take public transport or try to avoid rush hours.

Food Costs in Paris

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $30-$70/ day

Paris, like the rest of France, takes food seriously, and even the most basic meal may cost a bit more here than elsewhere. Even fast food seems exotic here, given the price.

You do not have to break the bank to eat, especially with smart planning. When eating out, watch for lunch or dinner specials, two-for-one deals, or happy hour combos at a local bar.

Here are some typical restaurant prices:

• Casual restaurant lunch with drink: $18 per person
• Dinner for two in a local pub: $45-$60
• Basic combo burger meal takeout: $10
• Pizza: $9-$15

The best option for a significant saving is self-catering. Buy food stocks at a local market and eat at home when you can. Here are some common market prices in Paris:

• 1 lb cheese: $8
• 2 lbs potatoes: $2.40
• 1-liter milk: $1.50
• Bottle of beer (16 ounces): $2.40
• 1 bottle of red wine: $6-10

Where to Eat Cheaply in Paris

Every city has its gems.

Here are a few open secrets for visitors hunting a food bargain.

• Bakeries should be your first stop for any budget-conscious snack. For just over a dollar you can pick up a baguette or croissant. Alternatively, pick up a decent sandwich for about $7.
• Falafel is really popular in Paris, in part because it’s relatively cheap. L’as du Fallafel in the Marais offers a treat at $10 that usually has a line of people waiting for it.
• Marché D’Aligre market makes good sense for a walk around the local food traders. They’re often cheaper than supermarkets, and fresh cheeses, veggies, and other picnic food is always a delight.
• Feeling exotic? French-Vietnamese food for under $10 can be found at The Hood Paris. They also make super coffee.
• Little India near the Gare de Nord offers some of the tastiest and cheapest Indian cuisines in the city. Try Krishna Bhavan for a full meal and drink for under $12 per person.
• Higuma’s scrumptious Japanese fare options are great value at under $10. Find them in the Rue Saint-Anne.
• Big Mamma/Pizza Popolare may not sound like the kind of place you’ll find gourmet treats. But with a marinara pizza that comes in at $5, it might be Paris’ cheapest takeout food option. Each of its stores offers a different menu, which is unique for a chain.

Alcohol Prices in Paris

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $7-$20/day

Who doesn’t want a drink in Paris? Still, if you plan to party every night, add a few dollars to the budget. Drinking can be expensive here, especially if you favor expensive wine, even though the wine selections are amazing, which they are. It is easy to spend your entire budget on booze.

On price, beer may treat you slightly better. A pint of local (16 fluid ounces) costs about $8 in most bars or restaurants. Imported beer is sometimes cheaper, which may surprise you, so check before ordering and compare prices.

Alcohol costs in Paris pubs and restaurants:

• Beer (pint) at a bar: $7 ($2.50 per bottle in stores)
• Bottle wine: $12-20 ($5 – $10 in stores)

The best advice is to be smart and buy your own drinks at stores. That way you can enjoy a relatively low-cost drink at home and go out for more only if you really feel you need to.

Even then, ask around for the best happy hour in the area. Hostels have great happy hours, even if you are not staying there. Every penny saved counts in Paris.

Attraction Costs in Paris

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $20-$85/day

Paris has so many iconic buildings and attractions that you may need to set aside a fair chunk of cash to visit them. Here is a summary of prices for some popular ones:

• The Louvre: $20
• Palace of Versailles: $20
• Picasso Museum: $16
• Eiffel Tower: $10 – $20
• Paris Science Museum: $14

Fortunately, some ways to save exist. Here are a few money-saving tips you may find useful:

• The Louvre and many other museums offer free entry every first Sunday of the month. They are crowded, though, so be prepared for the hustle and bustle.
• Some museums are cheaper after 5 pm, like the Musée d’Orsay.
• Consider a Paris Pass, which will save some money with a bulk entry pass. They range between $150 (two-day pass) and $265 (six-day pass). It gets you free entry to up to 60 of Paris’ most popular tourist locations.
• A Paris museum pass ($55 – $85) is available, offering access to more than 60 museums including Notre Dame’s crypt.
• Consider a free walking tour when visiting Paris to enjoy the sights at no extra cost

Extra Costs in Paris

Ice cream from Berthillon on the bridge? A fine coat from the Marché d’Aligre? You will not visit a legendary city like Paris without spotting something to do or buy that you did not plan for.

Then there is the risk of an unplanned mishap, such as a flat tire on a rental scooter or a lost phone charger. Annoying, but possible, and it can dent the Paris budget. Plan for it by setting aside extra cash for the impulse buy. One tip: once the trip budget is done, add 10% on top as emergency money.

Tipping in Paris

This is one area where Paris costs less than the US, for example. In Paris pubs and restaurants, tipping is generally not expected, and certainly not the standard 15% you may be used to in many other countries. A couple of “rules” may be useful to follow.

For most restaurant or pub bills, it is considered kind to simply round up a small bill to the nearest Euro or two and leave it. As a guide, around 1 Euro for every 20 Euros is considered plenty. And only if you considered the service very good or patient (if you do not speak French).

Also, do not add the “tip” to your credit card bill. Leave the change in cash only. It will only be a couple of Euros anyway. The exception is a seriously fancy restaurant, where you may need to raise the tip to around $20 for that kind of service.

For everyone else, such as hotel porters, taxi drivers, or theater ushers, one Euro (about $1 USD) is generally fine. A 5% gratuity is considered very generous.

Final Money-Saving Tips for Paris

With these tips, a Paris budget can indeed be made more affordable. At least you will know what to expect and what to budget for, which is half the battle. Let’s round up:

• Save on food and drink: Buy at the shops and eat and drink at home.
• Check out apartments or hostels: Consider the cheapest accommodation options as an alternative to hotels.
• Put the free stuff at the top of the list. You can fill quite a few hours with free walks, parks, a museum pass, and such.
• Get the Paris of Museum passes: If you plan on doing lots of touristy locations.
• Use public transport: Buses, metros, and trams single tickets cost $2. But a ten-pack “carnet” of singles is $16 (saving $3.70).
• Have a water bottle Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled water; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
• Earn money while you travel: Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Paris.
• Become a volunteer with Worldpackers: Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Paris.

So Is Paris Expensive?

Is Paris expensive to visit? Compared with much of the rest of Europe, yes, unfortunately, Paris can be one of the more expensive cities. But it is a dream destination in terms of world culture, food, and sites to see, so it is well worth that once-in-a-lifetime commitment. All that said, it does not have to ruin you financially.

Sometimes, just being there is enough to absorb the amazing atmosphere. So you may not need to climb the Eiffel. The view of it from a local park may be even more breathtaking than being on it. Just a thought.

Follow the advice here and you will be ahead of the curve. Local guidance on how to avoid tourist prices helps even more. But ultimately, do not sacrifice enjoyment when it comes to your Paris budget.

If you really want to try that 3-Michelin star restaurant, plan for it and do it. Just do not do it every night. Also, remember that French wine is decidedly cheap in France, and much of it is exceptionally good.

That is the advice, so go ahead and make it happen. Paris is waiting.

What we think an average daily budget for Paris should be: $60-$80.

Updated by Megan Christopher January 2023.