Accommodation and living costs in Europe

Study in Europe estimates that a student in France spends on average €800–1,200 a month. Housing costs the most, especially in Paris. According to Campus France:

• a room in a CROUS student residence – around €450 in Paris and on average around €350 in the rest of the country,
• a studio on the private market – at least €800 in Paris, on average about half that in other cities,
• food – French people spend on average around €300 a month; since 4 May 2026 a meal in a CROUS canteen costs €1 for all students (you need an active Izly account),
• transport – an annual student pass costs €374.40 in Paris and €250–300 elsewhere.

You book a room in a CROUS residence on trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr – in 2026 from 7 July. The deposit cannot be higher than one month's rent. Housing benefit (APL or ALS) is paid by the CAF, and the Visale scheme can act as your rent guarantor.