Living expenses in France for international students: A detailed guide

International students planning to pursue MBBS abroad finds France as a fascinating option as it has so much to offer to students apart from just quality education. In France the good education comes with a price, as it's said that France is quite an expensive place for studies. In this article we will find out how much of it is true. What is the cost of living in France including the expenses for food, transport, rent and top budget friendly cities. So if you are a student planning to move to France, do give a read to this complete article which can help you save some bucks in the new country.

An overview of expenses in France

Day to day expenses of a student in France can vary depending on the needs and wants. The biggest part of it goes to rents/accommodation and then comes food. Other European countries like Gorgia, Germany, Romania, and Italy on comparison are less expensive.

Now we will see the complete breakdown of the cost of studying in France.

Average accommodation charge in France

The cost you are going to pay for rent depends on which city you are choosing to live in and also on the type of accommodation.

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Accommodation is one of the largest components of living expenses in France. Here are the average monthly costs for a single student:

Paris is one of the most expensive cities, where accommodation per month for a student can go above 900 euros.

We at futureMBBS provide full support and guidance to students while finding a best accommodation near their colleges in Europe for MBBS abroad.

Read: PG courses after MBBS abroad

Average cost for food in France

The cost of food in France for students is generally reasonable if you eat at university cafeterias or cook at home.

Dining out

• University canteen (CROUS): €3.30/meal (₹300)

• Inexpensive restaurant: €10–€15 (₹900–₹1,350)

• Coffee at a café: €2–€4 (₹180–₹360)

Money-Saving Hack: Cooking at home cuts costs by €100–€200/month compared to eating out

Read: PG in Germany after MBBS

Average fees in medical colleges of France

France is known for its affordable education system. If you are looking to study medicine, here is what you can expect:

Note: These fees are subsidized for EU students. For non-EU students, the cost may vary slightly based on the institution.

Read: MBBS abroad opportunities for Indian students

Mandatory health insurance in France for Indian students

The France is strict when it comes to health insurance of international students like any other country. In this section, we will see the guidelines they ask students to follow for health insurance.

1. French National Health Insurance (Sécurité Sociale)

• Mandatory for students under 28: If you’re enrolled in a French public university and under 28, you must register for the Sécurité Sociale (French Social Security).

• Coverage includes:

  • Reimbursement of 60–70% of doctor visits, hospitalizations, and prescriptions.

  • Access to subsidized healthcare services.

• Cost: Free for European Union, EU students (with EHIC card), while non-EU students pay a small annual fee (around €90–€100).

2. Complementary health insurance (Mutuelle)

Since Sécurité Sociale doesn’t cover all medical expenses, students are strongly advised to get a Mutuelle (top-up insurance).

• What it covers:

  • The remaining 30–40% of medical costs (consultations, dental, vision, hospitalization).

  • Better reimbursement for specialist treatments.

• Cost: Typically €20–€50/month (₹1,800–₹4,500/year), depending on coverage.

3. Private health insurance (alternative for certain students)

• Who needs it?

  • Students over 28 (not eligible for Sécurité Sociale).

  • Those in private institutions not covered by the national system.

• Cost: Around €300–€600/year (₹27,000–₹54,000).

Note:

• Non-EU Students: Must register for Sécurité Sociale upon arrival.

• Visa Requirement: Proof of health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage) is mandatory for the student visa.

List of budget friendly cities in France

f you are conscious about your budget, here are some of the most affordable cities in France for international students:

1. Lille – Known for its low rent and vibrant student life

2. Grenoble – Known for its universities and mountain views

3. Clermont-Ferrand – One of the cheapest cities to live in France

4. Poitiers – Small city with a lot of student discounts

5. Angers – Popular for medical and engineering colleges

These cities offer lower cost of living compared to Paris and are ideal for students who want to save on their monthly cost.

Read: MBBS in Canada for Indian students

Transport costs in France

Here also the mode of transportation you will choose gives an idea about the money you will required. What you can expect as a cost from transport in France is given below:

Public transport in France is efficient and student-friendly, with discounts available for frequent travelers. Major cities like Paris, Lyon, Nice, and Bordeaux have well-connected metro, bus, and tram networks. If you are a student you can also avail benefits of special transport costs in the France, you'll just need your student ID to show.

Imagine’R Card (Île-de-France/Paris)

• Who’s Eligible? Students under 26

• Benefits: Unlimited travel on metros, buses, RER, and trams in Île-de-France.

• Cost: Just €350/year (₹31,500) – much cheaper than regular passes!

Ticket Jeune (weekend/holiday pass)

• Who Can Use It? Students under 26

• Benefits: Unlimited travel for 24 hours (Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays).

• Cost: Only €4 (₹360) for a day of free commuting!

Cheap long-distance travel options

Intercity Coaches (FlixBus, BlaBlaBus, Ouibus)

• Why Choose Coaches?

  • Way cheaper than trains (e.g., Paris to Lyon from €10/₹900).

  • Free Wi-Fi, charging ports & comfy seats for long journeys.

Additional source of income in France

France allows international students to work up to 20 hours/week (964 hours/year).

Best part-time jobs

• Tutoring (English/Math): €15–€25/hour (₹1,350–₹2,250)

• Hospitality (Cafés, Hotels): €9.67–€12/hour (₹870–₹1,080)

• Freelancing (Design, Writing): €100–€500/month (₹9K–₹45K)

Paid internships

• Average Stipend: €500–€1,200/month (₹45K–₹1.08L)

• Fields: Business, engineering, tech.

Note: Speaking French boosts job opportunities

Conclusion

Living in France for Indian students can be a fulfilling and enriching experience, provided you plan and budget carefully. With its prestigious institutions, cultural charm, and diverse lifestyle options, France attracts students from all over the world. However, managing your living expenses in France is a key factor in ensuring a smooth academic journey. While Paris may be one of the most attractive cities globally, it also ranks among the most expensive. Therefore, understanding the average cost of living, choosing budget-friendly cities, and planning accommodation and food wisely can make a big difference in your overall experience.

Ultimately, your ability to adapt, budget, and make informed choices will determine how rewarding your experience of studying in France will be. Whether you're studying medicine, engineering, or the arts, France has a lot to offer if you are mindful of your spending and actively look for ways to make the most of your time there.