Planning a trip to Paris? Check out our guide to get more information on the best Parisian places to visit, neighborhoods that are ideal for comfortable living, and the cost of living in Paris

Paris is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities, where millions of people from all over the world dream of moving. The capital is also the most popular place to live in France for expats. 1.7 million foreigners live in Paris and its suburbs. This is about 14% of the city's population. Most expats are citizens of the USA, Great Britain and the Netherlands. It's no wonder that more French people speak English in Paris than in any other city in the country.

If you want to move to Paris, you should know that there are 20 arrondissements (districts) in the city, each arrondissement has its own character and history and is often called the "20 small cities".

Which district is the best for expats and what is the cost of living in one of the most expensive capitals in the world? Details in our material.

Travel insurance: 8 useful tips for travelers and expats can be found here.

How is Paris divided?

Each of the twenty arrondissements of Paris has its own unique Parisian lifestyle. Districts are numbered 1 to 20 and spiral clockwise from the city center. Then they are divided into quarters.

The Seine River divides Paris into two halves: the Left (Rive-Goch) and the Right (Rive-Druate). The Left Bank is known for its intellectual atmosphere and artistic heritage, while the Right Bank is more commercial and business-oriented. Districts 1–11 make up the central part of the city, and 12–20 are a bit further out.

● The best neighborhoods in Paris for a family move

Families usually settle in the western areas of the city on the left bank of the Seine, because here you can rent a large house with a green area, and most of the public and private schools work here.

In the Eastern district, families can rent a three- or four-room apartment. The advantage of the district is a large number of parks and cultural centers.

Where to stay in Paris?

- Passy (16th arrondissement) – a quiet residential area that used to be a village, will become a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Many international schools work here. In addition, Passy boasts one of the largest green areas in the city – the Bois de Boulogne. The 16th arrondissement is considered one of the most expensive districts in Paris.

- Quartier du Gros Cailleux (7th arrondissement) – the area where the Eiffel Tower and the Champs de Mars are located, dotted with fantastic museums and world-renowned art galleries. Also, the Gro-Caille neighborhood has many schools, parks and excellent public transportation, making it an even more desirable place for a family to live.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Gro Cay is its central location. The River Seine, which is just a stone's throw away, is perfect for evening walks or morning jogs.

The average monthly rent for an unfurnished two-room apartment in Gros-Caillou is around €2,500. But given its excellent location and the quality of life it offers, many believe it is worth every euro.

● Affordable neighborhoods and places to stay in Paris

As in many large European cities, finding affordable housing in Paris can be difficult. But it is not impossible. Among expensive boulevards, tourist-filled streets and luxurious apartments, hidden and inexpensive housing.

Where to stay in Paris?

- Montparnasse (14th arrondissement) – This lively area is located in the 14th arrondissement and is known for its bustling streets, great restaurants and lively nightlife. It is also close to several major train stations, making it easy to explore other parts of France or even other countries. Montparnasse also stands out for its accessibility. There are many apartments available for rent or purchase at reasonable prices, as well as a variety of shops and markets where you can find everything you need quite cheaply.

- Bastille (11th arrondissement) is an area with a rich history and its own character. There are many fashionable cafes, bars and restaurants for every taste and budget. The average monthly rent for an unfurnished two-bedroom apartment is around €2,000 and is a relatively affordable option in central Paris. Bastille also boasts a large number of green spaces, such as the Promenade Plantée and the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, and an excellent transport interchange.

● Areas of Paris chosen by expats

Expats do not settle in any specific area of Paris. When choosing a district, most foreigners focus on their own budget and interests.

Where to stay in Paris?

- Le Marais (4th arrondissement) – if you like to walk everywhere from your apartment, then this area is for you. The River Seine is only a stone's throw away, and the world-famous Louvre Museum is a 30-minute walk away. Le Marais is one of the most popular places to stay in Paris. Le Marais has many boutiques, shops, restaurants and night clubs. But living in one of the best areas of Paris is not cheap. Expect to pay around €2,000 per month for a studio apartment.

- Les Halles (1st arrondissement) is primarily known as a shopping area. Rent here will not be cheap. But Les Halles has a fantastic central location with plenty to do.

● The best places to live in Paris for young people

Affordable, bright and with an ideal picture - these three factors are important for young people planning to move to one of the districts of Paris. Some of these areas, like the Latin Quarter, can be a bit more expensive, but staying a little further from the cent can save you a lot.

Where to stay in Paris?

- Latin quarter (5th arrondissement) - the famous Sorbonne University is located here, so the district is known as the student district of the city. Its narrow streets and historic buildings offer a mix of affordable fast food restaurants, student bars and local shops, giving it the feel of an old university town. Many young professionals also stay here.

- Oberkampf (11th arrondissement) – this area has fantastic connections to the rest of the city and the centre. Oberkampf is famous for its huge selection of lively nightclubs and original bars, although there is also a quieter part of the area.

- South Pigalle (9th arrondissement) is a lively and fashionable area of Paris, located in the 9th arrondissement, which has become increasingly popular among young professionals and creative people in the last few years.

All in all, South Pigalle has everything you could want in a Parisian neighborhood – great food, exciting nightlife and a friendly atmosphere. So if you're thinking of moving to Paris, be sure to put this neighborhood on your bucket list.

Cost of living in Paris

In Mercer's 2022 cost of living report, Paris topped the 33rd place and was more expensive than Amsterdam, Munich and Brussels, but cheaper than London, New York and Zurich. The budget of a family of 2 people who will settle in Paris can reach 2400€ per month or more.

● Housing rent and communal services

Of course, as in most cities in the world, the main expense item in Paris will be housing rent. You will have to pay about 1,800€ per month for a one-room apartment in the center. If you need two or three bedrooms, then twice as much.

Utilities: fees for water, heating, electricity and garbage collection, about 150€ per month, but most often they are immediately included in the rent.

The price for a basic Internet package starts at about €20-€30 per month. The fee for mobile communication is about 30€.

● How much does food cost in Paris?

Your weekly food costs will depend on whether you shop at an out-of-town supermarket chain such as Carrefour or a more expensive local grocer.

Markets are also quite popular in France. You can pick up fresh produce at the outdoor markets, where you can save a lot if you come before they close, around 1:00 p.m. The Marche d'Aligre, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the cheapest and busiest markets and is complemented by an indoor meat, poultry and cheese market.

On average, you should count on the amount of 500€ per family per month to buy products. Dinner for two in a middle-class restaurant will cost €60. The cost of a cup of cappuccino in Paris is €3.60. Of course, France is known for its wine. The average cost of a bottle is 10-15€.

● Transportation costs

Paris has a well-developed public transport system. One trip in public transport costs 1.50€ on average, a monthly pass is 80€. The monthly budget for car maintenance is €150 — gasoline, insurance and parking fees.

● Medical insurance

Everyone who lives in France for more than three months, including foreigners, is entitled to public health insurance - Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa). The monthly payment is 8% of the salary.

To receive medical care, you must register with a French insurance company and a doctor in France.

It is necessary to undergo most medical procedures on the referral of this doctor. About 70% of medical expenses are covered by insurance.

However, in order to obtain a residence permit or if you plan to move to France in less than 3 months, an expat must take out a health insurance policy.

The districts of Paris are not similar to each other, so every expat will definitely find the perfect place for himself. However, when planning to move to France, be sure to consider the high cost of living in the country.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in France;

Legal advice on business, medical, educational and immigration issues in France;

Travel and health insurance for foreigners in France;

Insurance for foreign students in France.

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