Good deals for students and the most precarious: affordable and inexpensive addresses in Paris

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on October 14, 2025 at 03:46 p.m. · Published on May 29, 2022 at 04:22 p.m.
Parisian students and low-income earners, this guide is for you! The capital is one of the most expensive cities in France, and even in Europe, so it's hard to eat and play cheaply in Paris. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable ways to ease the burden on small budgets.

Paris may be one of the world's most student-friendly cities, but it's not the easiest place to live with a young adult's wallet. The French capital is reputed to be one of the most expensive in Europe, but fortunately there are plenty of places to enjoy life on the cheap in Paris!

With a student card or Navigo card, you can benefit from many advantages in the world of culture, to admire an exhibition, a play or even go to the cinema at lower cost. In France and Europe, some monuments and museums are free or less expensive for under-26s.

For a complete meal at an unbeatable price, take advantage of your student status to eat at one of the 15 university restaurants run by the CROUS in Paris, for a varied and complete meal. But if you want to treat yourself, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and other food outlets offering prices that are completely affordable for students. Just follow the guide!

Practical information

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Affordable dining:

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Get out and have fun for less:

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