✦ Cost of living
Paris
Paris, France
US = 100
In plain terms: Paris is about 21% pricier than a typical US city. A one-bedroom in the centre runs around $1,600/month.
▤ Category breakdown
Index vs the US average — the line marks 100. Lower is cheaper.
- Housing150+50%
- Food & groceries115+15%
- Transport95−5%
- Utilities120+20%
- Healthcare85−15%
- Goods & services115+15%
About
“The City of Light”
Dense, walkable and unrelentingly beautiful. Rents undercut London, but high social charges take a big bite of gross pay.
- Currency
- Euro · EUR
- Languages
- French
- Coordinates
- 48.86, 2.35
- Emergency
- 112
What things cost
Taxes
45%
Income tax
progressive
20%
VAT / sales
22%
Social (employee)
25%
Corporate
30%
Capital gains
$2,600
Avg net salary
per month
Plus high social charges.
Visas & residency
Talent Passport for skilled workers, founders and researchers.
✈ Schengen: 90/180 days visa-free for many passports.
Skilled workers, founders, investors.
Permanent residence after ~5 yrs. Citizenship after ~5 yrs.
Quality of life
Safety
58/100
Healthcare
80/100
Pollution
65/100
Internet
150 Mbps
Jan avg
+5 °C
Jul avg
+20 °C
Sunny days
62/yr
Walkability
90/100
Relocation & documents
Coming soonWhere to look
Updated: 2026-08-14 · Sources: Cost/quality survey (placeholder) · National tax authority / OECD (headline figures)
? Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Paris, FR?
Paris, FR's cost-of-living index is 121 (US average = 100) — about 21% more expensive than a typical US city. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around $1,600 per month.
What is the average rent in Paris, FR?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages about $1,600 per month, and around $1,150 outside the centre.
What taxes would I pay in France?
France has a top income-tax rate of 45% and a VAT or sales tax of 20%. See the taxes section above for the full breakdown.
What is the weather like in Paris, FR?
Paris, FR averages around +5 °C in January and +20 °C in July, with roughly 62 sunny days a year.
❖ Compare Paris with…
Estimates use approximate cost-of-living indices (US average = 100) and are for general guidance only.