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Do you want to live in Paris and want to know what the city has to offer? Come along as we take you on a tour of the beautiful French capital, full of charm and countless reasons that might just convince you to spend at least a season living there.

Let’s start by saying that Paris is one of the top European capitals for both immigrants and visitors. People are drawn here by the high quality of life, which includes excellent healthcare, education, job opportunities, and competitive salaries.

Did you know that Paris is also a fantastic city for remote work? With great connectivity and a variety of work-friendly spaces, you can easily switch up your environment and stay productive wherever you are. Here’s what you need to know about living in Paris.

live in paris

Quality of life in Paris

According to Numbeo, the French capital ranks high in quality of life compared to other European cities. Similarly, Mercer places it among the top 34 cities in the world for overall livability.

This is possible thanks to its health system, education and other aspects such as transportation, culture and leisure. Here we tell you about it.

1. Multiple transportation options

  • Metro: With 200 kilometers of track running from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. the next day, the metro is by far the fastest way to get around Paris. It has 14 lines covering the city in all directions. To ride, you can buy a single ticket called the t+ for $3 per trip. If you plan to stay longer, there are weekly or monthly passes like the Navigo Découverte, or if you’re mainly sticking to the central tourist area (Zone 1), the Navigo Easy card is a convenient option.
  • RER (regional trains): You can also use the t+ ticket or card on regional trains, but only for trips within Paris. For traveling to other cities or towns across France, the train is the most popular way to get around.
  • Buses: It’s the best option for short trips and a great way to see the different neighborhoods from a new perspective. Just keep in mind it can be affected by city traffic. In Zone 1, you can use the t+ ticket for trains and the metro, while for other zones, the Navigo card is the way to go.
  • Tramway: Trams offer a handy option for reaching the outer districts, perfectly filling in the gaps beyond Zone 1’s transit coverage. Plus, you can hop on with the same t+ ticket you use for the metro and trains.
  • Bicycle (Vélib): It’s another convenient way to get around the city, with plenty of stations where you can rent an electric or regular bike. You can pay $2 for a day, $9 for a week, or choose a monthly subscription that lasts a year, giving you access to both types of bikes for up to $11.

2. Health within everyone’s reach

The health system in Paris and in France in general is designed to cover its entire population. Access is straightforward, letting you choose your primary doctor and specialists, decide between public or private care, and pick the hospital closest to your home. Here’s a closer look at how Paris’s healthcare system works.

doctors
Living in Paris, advantages and disadvantages – Source: shutterstock.com
  • Everyone is required to have insurance that covers between 70% and 100% of treatments, consultations, and medications, depending on the case. The government funds the system, which also focuses on disease prevention and medical research.
  • If you’re visiting Paris temporarily, your travel insurance will cover any medical expenses in case of illness or injury. Afterwards, the healthcare system reimburses your insurance for the costs incurred.
  • Keep in mind that if you decide to go to Paris without insurance, you’ll be responsible for high medical bills. For example, a visit to a general doctor can cost between $30 and $60, specialists can charge anywhere from $60 to $180, and emergency visits start at around $140 just for the initial check-up. Add tests and hospital stays, and daily costs can climb close to $1,180.
  • Waiting times aren’t usually long, though some specialists may require you to book your appointment in advance. In an emergency, you can go to any public hospital.

3. Higher education: Accessible for foreigners

Paris is globally known for welcoming international students and offering high-quality education. With nearly 700,000 students, it’s officially the city with the largest student population in Europe.

In Paris you can choose between public or private universities, in both cases you will find a wide academic offer.

When it comes to public universities, some of the top ones are Sorbonne University, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris 8, and Paris Cité, among others. For international students aiming for a bachelor’s degree, tuition can be up to about $3,170.

In addition to this fee, you must take into account the cost of living, which is estimated to be between $950-1,750 per month for a student.

  • General requirements: You should have finished high school, secure a student visa if you’re coming from outside Europe, show that you can financially support your studies, prove your skills in French (or English if needed) and apply online to the university you want to attend.
  • If you’re from the EU, you’ll need to apply through the ParcourSup platform. Otherwise, you’ll go through Campus France, which involves submitting additional documents and applying for a visa.

Now, let’s take a look at some private universities and their admission requirements: Paris University, the Catholic University of Paris, and the Paris Business School. Tuition varies depending on the school and program, typically ranging from $3,500 to $14,100.

  • The requirements at private institutions are quite similar to those at public ones: a translated high school diploma, proof of English or French proficiency, a motivation letter, a valid passport or student visa, and an interview. If you’re planning to come to Paris to study French, you might want to check out our post: Studying French in Paris.
transport and work
Study, remote work, transportation and culture in Paris – Source Shutterstock.com

4. Safety, leisure and nightlife culture

Paris is generally a safe city, but some outer neighborhoods are best avoided, especially if you’re alone. The most common issues tend to be pickpocketing and theft.

Some tips include keeping valuables and cash out of sight, researching the city’s more risky areas, and being cautious when using transportation like taxis, Uber, or the metro at night.

Despite that, Paris offers a lively and secure nightlife scene with plenty of bars, live music cafés, or concert halls to hang out and have fun. There’s also a rich cultural lineup with ballet, theater, and film, so the city has safe options to suit every taste.

5. Jobs and average salaries

Paris offers job opportunities for foreigners, especially in hospitality and care-related roles, with tourism being one of the biggest employers of immigrants. 

The minimum annual salary is around $24,700, but average earnings typically range between $47,000 and $58,800 a year. Of course, this varies depending on your experience, profession, and working hours.

If you’re from the European Union, there’s no paperwork required to work in Paris but you’ll need to know French or English.

For everyone else, a work visa and residency permit are required, along with language skills and validation of your educational credentials. It’s important to check which documents you’ll need based on your nationality.

6. Connectivity while traveling in Paris

For digital nomads, there are plenty of coliving and coworking spaces that make life a lot easier. You’ll also find cafés, libraries, and other public spots where you can work without any connectivity issues.

When it comes to mobile providers, Paris is served by four companies offering 4G and 5G, with Orange and Bouygues Telecom standing out for their nationwide coverage.

To make sure you never lose connection, Holafly provides international eSIM plans with options like 10 GB, 25 GB, or unlimited data. You can start using your mobile internet as soon as you land in Paris or any other destination.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

holafly plans

Advantages of living in Paris

Things like transportation, healthcare, and access to education for foreigners are some of Paris’s biggest perks. But now, let’s take a look at a few other advantages you might find interesting:

  • Multiculturality: In Paris, you’ll live alongside people from all over the world, which will enrich your experience with diverse perspectives on art, culture, and music.
  • Trains that connect with other countries: From the French capital you can reach other capitals such as Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands or Italy.
  • As a digital nomad: You can stay in Paris for up to 180 days without any issues, as long as you meet the country’s requirements based on your nationality. Plus, you’ll find plenty of well-equipped spots with high-speed internet to work from.

Disadvantages of living in Paris as a foreigner

Keep in mind that Paris isn’t perfect, there are some downsides you should know about before deciding. One key point we hadn’t brought up yet is the challenge of finding housing and dealing with rent prices.

  • Housing: Space in Paris tends to be tight and expensive. The better places usually come with a price tag that’s out of reach for many on an average income. Renting can cost anywhere from $590 for a shared room up to $3,500 for a private apartment. To rent, you’ll need a ‘rental file’ with documents like ID, proof of income, and a residence certificate. Buying property runs around $13,200 per square meter, and there aren’t specific restrictions on purchases.
  • High cost of living: It’s estimated that a single person studying and living in a shared house needs to earn between $700-1,400 at minimum to cover basic expenses.
  • Unsafe areas: If you’re planning to work remotely, the noise, crowds, and safety issues in some busy or outer neighborhoods might be a downside. You’ll need to pick the area that suits you best.
  • Environmental problems: Pollution has been a growing concern for Parisians, mainly because of air quality issues caused by traffic, along with concerns about water quality.

Frequently asked questions about living in Paris

Can I live in Paris without knowing French?

Ideally, you should speak French. Knowing the language is key to getting by smoothly, especially if you plan to live there. Some universities and jobs require proficiency in the local language.

Why is it so difficult to buy a house in France?

Mainly because of the high price per square meter in the city, but also due to the strict mortgage requirements. High demand is another key factor, as central and tourist areas have limited availability but lots of interested buyers.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Paris?

Areas like Saint Germain des Prés, Le Marais, Montmartre, and the Latin Quarter each have their own distinct charm. Blending rich culture and history with cozy cafés and bars, while also feeling safe and peaceful compared to other parts of Paris.

What requirements must I meet as a digital nomad in Paris?

You’ll need to show a contract proving you work remotely or freelance for one or more companies. Depending on your nationality, there may be specific requirements, plus you’ll need health insurance and a clean criminal record.

What if I don’t have health insurance in Paris?

In case of an illness or accident you have to bear all the expenses, which are high, including medicines and treatments.

Paula Henderson

Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

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