Planning a trip to the City of Light and wondering is Paris expensive? The straightforward answer is: Paris is moderately expensive by European standards, ranking as the 35th most expensive city globally, but it’s actually 25-30% cheaper than London and offers better value than many expect. A typical tourist can expect to spend between €100-200 per day depending on travel style, with budget travelers managing on €70-100, mid-range travelers spending around €150-180, and luxury travelers spending upwards of €250 daily.
While Paris has a reputation for being costly, many visitors are surprised to discover that it offers excellent value in certain categories—particularly food, public transportation, and cultural experiences. With strategic planning using the insider tips in this guide, you can experience Paris’s architectural wonders, world-class museums, and culinary delights without emptying your wallet.
Paris Cost Overview: How Expensive Is Paris in 2025?
When asking “how expensive is Paris,” it’s important to understand that while it ranks among Europe’s pricier destinations, it remains more affordable than cities like London, Zurich, or Copenhagen. Paris ranks 35th globally on the 2025 Cost of Living Index with a score of 68.2 (compared to New York’s 100).
Let’s break down the typical costs you’ll encounter in Paris in 2025:
Accommodation Costs in Paris
Accommodation represents one of the largest expenses for visitors:
| Accommodation Type | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | €25-40 |
| Budget hotels | €80-120 |
| Mid-range hotels | €120-220 |
| Luxury hotels | €250-800+ |
| Apartments/Airbnb | €90-250 |
Hotel prices in Paris average around €150 per night, though prices spike dramatically during peak season (June-August) and major events. Many hotels in central arrondissements are booked months in advance during summer, with prices for remaining rooms often doubling.
Is it expensive to live in Paris compared to visiting? Monthly rent for locals ranges from €800-1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment in outer arrondissements to €1,500-2,500 in central areas. While high by global standards, Paris is still about 27% cheaper than London for both tourists and residents.
For better accommodation value, consider staying in less touristy arrondissements like the 11th, 12th, or 15th rather than the 1st, 6th, or 8th. Also, visiting during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) can save 20-30% on accommodation costs.
Food and Drink Costs in Paris
Is Paris expensive for food? Food and drink prices are reasonable by Western European standards:
| Food & Drink | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Coffee | €2-4 |
| Croissant/pastry | €1.20-2.50 |
| Breakfast at café | €5-12 |
| Prix fixe lunch menu | €15-25 |
| Dinner at mid-range restaurant | €25-45 per person |
| High-end restaurant | €60-150+ per person |
| Glass of wine | €4-8 |
| Beer (pint) | €6-9 |
| Bottle of water | €1-3 |
| Supermarket meal ingredients | €10-20 per day |
Food represents one of Paris’s best values. The “formule” or “menu du jour” (fixed-price lunch menu) offers exceptional value, typically including two or three courses for €15-25. Street food and market meals are also affordable, with crepes, sandwiches, and falafel available for €5-10.
Supermarket prices are reasonable, especially at chains like Carrefour, Monoprix, and Franprix. A bottle of decent French wine costs just €5-10 at supermarkets, compared to €25-40 at restaurants.
One pain point many visitors encounter is the high cost of dining in touristy areas. Restaurants near major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, or Notre Dame often charge 30-50% more than equivalent establishments just a few blocks away.
Public Transportation Costs in Paris
Is Paris an expensive city to visit for getting around? Public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced:
| Transportation | Price |
|---|---|
| Single metro/bus ticket | €2.50 |
| Book of 10 tickets | €20.50 |
| 24-hour pass (Paris Visite) | €13.95 |
| 5-day pass (Paris Visite) | €42.85 |
| Weekly pass (Navigo Découverte) | €30 |
| Airport train (RER B) | €11.95 |
| Airport bus (Roissybus/Orlybus) | €13 |
| Taxi start fare | €3 |
| Taxi per km | €1.12 |
Paris’s public transportation system underwent a significant fare restructuring in January 2025, introducing a flat €2.50 fare for all metro, RER, and train journeys within the city, regardless of distance. This simplification benefits tourists who previously struggled with the zone system.
Is Uber expensive in Paris? Uber and other ridesharing services operate in Paris but are generally 10-20% more expensive than in most U.S. cities. A typical 15-minute Uber ride might cost €15-20, compared to €12-18 for the same journey by taxi. However, both options are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Walking is also a viable option in central Paris, with many major attractions within a 30-minute walk of each other. The city is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with beautiful architecture that’s best appreciated on foot.
Attraction and Entertainment Costs in Paris
Is Paris expensive for tourists wanting to experience its cultural offerings? Attraction prices are moderate to high:
| Attractions & Activities | Price |
|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower (to top) | €29.30 |
| Louvre Museum | €17 |
| Musée d’Orsay | €16 |
| Arc de Triomphe | €13 |
| Notre Dame towers | €11.50 |
| Seine River cruise | €15-25 |
| Moulin Rouge show | €90-220 |
| Versailles Palace | €19.50 |
| Disneyland Paris (1-day, 1-park) | €62-99 |
| Disneyland Paris (1-day, 2-parks) | €87-124 |
Note: Prices may vary, always verify on official websites for the most current details.
Paris’s major attractions, particularly the iconic Eiffel Tower and popular shows like the Moulin Rouge, are relatively expensive. The combined cost of visiting the top attractions can quickly add up, making the Paris Museum Pass (€52 for 2 days, €66 for 4 days, €78 for 6 days) worth considering if you plan to visit multiple museums and monuments.
Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, though they tend to be extremely crowded on these days. Additionally, Paris offers numerous free attractions, including churches (except towers/crypts), parks, and historic neighborhoods that can be explored without spending a euro.
How expensive is Disneyland Paris? Disneyland Paris implemented dynamic pricing in 2024, with ticket prices varying based on demand. One-day tickets range from €62 in low season to €99 in peak season for adults, making it somewhat less expensive than U.S. Disney parks but still a significant expense, especially for families.
Is Paris More Expensive Than London? City Comparison
A common question travelers ask is “is Paris more expensive than London?” The data is clear: Paris is significantly less expensive than London in almost every category:
| Expense Category | Paris | London | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 100 (baseline) | +25-30% | London is 25-30% more expensive |
| Accommodation | €150 avg/night | €190 avg/night | London is 27% more expensive |
| Restaurant meals | €25-45 per person | €35-60 per person | London is 30-40% more expensive |
| Public transportation | €2.50 per ride | €3.10 per ride | London is 24% more expensive |
| Groceries | €70-90/week | €90-120/week | London is 25-30% more expensive |
| Coffee | €2-4 | €3-5 | London is 25-35% more expensive |
| Beer (pint) | €6-9 | €7-10 | London is 15-20% more expensive |
As the data shows, is London more expensive than Paris? Absolutely. London consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most expensive cities, while Paris offers better value across most categories. The only areas where Paris might be more expensive are certain luxury goods and some tourist attractions.
This cost difference makes Paris a more budget-friendly option for travelers who want to experience a world-class European capital without the extreme prices of London.
Is Paris Expensive to Visit? Tourist Budget Breakdown
Is Paris expensive to visit for the average tourist? Here’s what you might spend on a budget, mid-range, and luxury day in Paris:
Budget Traveler (€70-100/day)
- Hostel dorm or budget hotel: €30-40
- Breakfast from bakery: €3-5
- Prix fixe lunch menu: €15-20
- Simple dinner or picnic: €10-15
- Public transportation: €5 (2 rides)
- One budget attraction or free activities: €0-15
- Miscellaneous: €7-10
Mid-Range Traveler (€150-180/day)
- Mid-range hotel or Airbnb: €120-150
- Breakfast at café: €8-12
- Prix fixe lunch menu: €20-25
- Dinner at mid-range restaurant: €30-40
- Public transportation: €7.50 (3 rides)
- One or two attractions: €15-30
- Miscellaneous: €15-20
Luxury Traveler (€250+/day)
- Luxury hotel: €250-400+
- Breakfast at hotel or upscale café: €15-25
- Lunch at nice restaurant: €35-50
- Dinner at fine dining restaurant: €80-150+
- Taxi/Uber transportation: €30-50
- Multiple premium attractions/experiences: €40-100+
- Shopping and miscellaneous: €50-200+
Paris Trip Cost: How Much for a Weekend or 5 Days?
Planning a Paris weekend getaway or a longer stay? Here’s what you might spend for different trip durations:
Paris for the Weekend (3 days)
| Expense Category | Budget (3 days) | Mid-range (3 days) | Luxury (3 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €90-120 | €360-450 | €750-1,200+ |
| Food & Drink | €84-120 | €174-231 | €390-675+ |
| Transportation | €15-25 | €22.50-40 | €90-150 |
| Attractions | €15-45 | €45-90 | €120-300 |
| Miscellaneous | €21-30 | €45-60 | €150-600 |
| Total | €225-340 | €646.50-871 | €1,500-2,925+ |
5 Days in Paris
| Expense Category | Budget (5 days) | Mid-range (5 days) | Luxury (5 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €150-200 | €600-750 | €1,250-2,000+ |
| Food & Drink | €140-200 | €290-385 | €650-1,125+ |
| Transportation | €25-40 | €37.50-60 | €150-250 |
| Attractions | €25-75 | €75-150 | €200-500 |
| Miscellaneous | €35-50 | €75-100 | €250-1,000 |
| Total | €375-565 | €1,077.50-1,445 | €2,500-4,875+ |
These figures show that for a weekend trip, you should budget approximately €225-340 for a budget experience, €650-870 for a mid-range experience, and €1,500+ for a luxury experience, excluding flights.
For a 5-day trip, budget travelers should plan for €375-565, mid-range travelers for €1,080-1,445, and luxury travelers for €2,500+, again excluding flights.
Cheap Things to Do in Paris: Budget-Friendly Activities
Looking for cheap things to do in Paris? Here are some affordable and free activities that competitors often overlook:
- Free museum days – Most national museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Some, like the Musée Carnavalet (Paris history) and Petit Palais, are always free.
- Paris Greeters – This free service connects visitors with local volunteers who provide personalized walking tours of their neighborhoods.
- Self-guided walking tours – The Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau offers free downloadable themed walking itineraries.
- Luxembourg Gardens – One of Paris’s most beautiful parks costs nothing to enter and offers a perfect picnic spot.
- Canal Saint-Martin – Join locals for an evening picnic along this trendy waterway in the 10th arrondissement.
- Free music at churches – Many churches host free organ recitals or choir performances, particularly on Sundays.
- Marché d’Aligre – This authentic market in the 12th arrondissement offers an affordable food shopping experience away from tourist prices.
- Belleville Park – Climb to the top for one of the best free views of Paris, rivaling the paid observation decks.
- Free art galleries – The Marais district is filled with small contemporary art galleries that cost nothing to browse.
- Père Lachaise Cemetery – This famous cemetery is the final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Édith Piaf, and entry is free.
Paris on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips
Paris on a budget is definitely possible with these insider tips that many competitor articles miss:
Accommodation Savings
- Book accommodations in less touristy arrondissements like the 11th, 12th, 15th, or 19th
- Consider apartment rentals for stays longer than 3 days (they often include kitchens)
- Visit during January-March (excluding Valentine’s Day) for the lowest hotel rates
- Look for hotels that include breakfast, which can save €8-12 per person daily
- Check university dormitories which rent rooms to tourists during summer breaks
Food and Drink Savings
- Embrace the “formule” or “menu du jour” for lunch (€15-25 for multiple courses)
- Shop at neighborhood markets like Marché Bastille, Marché d’Aligre, or Marché des Enfants Rouges
- Look for “happy hour” deals, when many bars offer discounted drinks (typically 5-8pm)
- Ask for “une carafe d’eau” (tap water) instead of bottled water at restaurants
- Bakeries reduce prices on unsold items in the late afternoon
Transportation Savings
- Purchase a carnet of 10 tickets (€20.50) instead of individual tickets (€2.50 each)
- Consider the weekly Navigo Découverte pass (€30) if staying Monday-Sunday
- Use Vélib’ bike-sharing for short trips (€5/day or €15/week for unlimited 30-minute rides)
- Take advantage of the flat fare system introduced in 2025 for longer journeys
- Walk between nearby attractions – central Paris is smaller than most visitors realize
Attraction Savings
- Visit museums on free days (first Sunday of the month for many)
- Purchase the Paris Museum Pass if visiting multiple paid attractions
- Book Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance to avoid higher on-site prices
- Take advantage of reduced evening rates at some museums (the Louvre is open until 9:45pm on Wednesdays and Fridays)
- Look for combination tickets that include multiple attractions
PRO TIP: Book luggage storage in Paris with Radical Storage and enjoy museums and attractions hands-free.
Cheapest Time to Go to Paris: Seasonal Guide
The cheapest time to go to Paris varies by season:
| Season | Price Level | Weather | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January-February | Lowest | Cold, occasional snow | Lowest | Post-holiday sales (soldes) |
| March-April | Moderate | Cool, some rain | Moderate | Prices rise during Easter |
| May | Moderate-High | Mild, pleasant | Moderate-High | Spring flowers in bloom |
| June | High | Warm, occasional rain | High | Long daylight hours |
| July-August | Highest | Hot, occasional storms | Highest | Many locals leave the city |
| September | High | Warm, pleasant | High | Fashion Week increases prices |
| October | Moderate | Cool, some rain | Moderate | Fall colors in parks |
| November | Low | Cold, rainy | Low | Pre-holiday quiet period |
| December | Moderate-High | Cold, occasional snow | High | Christmas markets and decorations |
For the best combination of reasonable prices and decent weather, visit during late October-early November or late January-February. Mid-November to mid-December (excluding the Christmas period) also offers good value.
The absolute cheapest time is late January through February, when hotel rates can be 40-50% lower than peak season. While the weather is colder (average 3-8°C/37-46°F), Paris’s indoor attractions and cozy cafés make it perfectly enjoyable.
Is Paris an Expensive City to Visit? The Verdict
So, is Paris an expensive city to visit? The answer depends on your perspective and travel style. Paris is moderately priced by Western European standards – more expensive than cities in Southern and Eastern Europe, but more affordable than London, Zurich, or Scandinavian capitals.
Budget travelers can enjoy Paris for around €70-100 per day, mid-range travelers should budget approximately €150-180 daily, and luxury travelers can expect to spend €250 or more.
What makes Paris special is the exceptional value you receive for your money – world-class museums, iconic architecture, beautiful public spaces, and outstanding cuisine. By following the tips in this guide and planning strategically, you can experience the best of Paris without excessive costs.
Whether you’re drawn to the Louvre’s masterpieces, the city’s romantic ambiance, its legendary food scene, or its historic monuments, Paris offers a European experience that, while not cheap, provides memorable value that justifies its moderate expense.