Budget & Costs
What does Paris cost?
Paris is more expensive than most European capitals — but not as expensive as London or Zurich. The biggest cost points: accommodations (especially central) and restaurants (especially in tourist areas). On the other hand: coffee, bread, and the metro are surprisingly cheap. And: Many of the most beautiful experiences in Paris are free.
Typical Prices (Estimates 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Espresso (au comptoir / at the counter) | 1.20–2.00 |
| Café crème (milk coffee) | 3.00–5.00 |
| Croissant (boulangerie) | 1.20–1.80 |
| Baguette tradition | 1.30–1.60 |
| Crêpe (street stand) | 4.00–7.00 |
| Bistro lunch menu (Formule) | 14–22 |
| Dinner at a bistro | 25–50 |
| Glass of wine (bar/bistro) | 5.00–9.00 |
| Hostel (dormitory) | 30–50 |
| Hotel (mid-range, double room) | 120–250 |
| Airbnb (central, studio) | 80–160 |
| Metro single ride (Ticket t+) | 2.15 |
| Carnet (10 rides, Navigo Easy) | 16.90 |
| Eiffel Tower (stairs/elevator) | 11.30 / 18.10 (top: 28.30) |
| Louvre | 22 |
| Musée d'Orsay | 16 |
| Versailles | 21 (Palace), 28 (Estate) |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (€50–80 per day)
Hostel or cheap Airbnb (10th–11th Arr.), boulangerie breakfast (Croissant + Espresso = €3), Formule lunch menu at a bistro (€14–18), dinner from the market or supermarket (Monoprix, Franprix), free museums on the 1st Sunday of the month, picnic by the Seine with baguette, cheese, and wine from the supermarket (all together under €10). The metro is cheap, and the best experiences — walks along the Seine, through Montmartre, the Tuileries — cost nothing.
Mid-range (€100–200 per day)
Hotel or good Airbnb in Marais or Saint-Germain, bistro visits for lunch and dinner, 1–2 museums per day (online booking saves waiting time), aperitif on a terrace, occasional taxi or Uber. The most comfortable way to experience Paris: enough budget for good food and the major museums.
Comfort / Luxury (€250–600+ per day)
Boutique hotel in Saint-Germain or near the Champs-Élysées, Michelin-starred restaurants, VIP tours at the Louvre, shopping in Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, champagne at a rooftop bar, cabaret at Moulin Rouge (from €87). Paris can do luxury like no other city — and the quality is right.
Tipp
The biggest savings hack in Paris: the Formule lunch menu. Almost all bistros offer a "Formule" (Entrée + Plat or Plat + Dessert) for €14–22 at lunchtime — significantly cheaper than the same dish à la carte in the evening. And: A glass of wine "au comptoir" (at the counter) is always cheaper than "en salle" (at the table) or "en terrasse" (on the terrace).
Saving Tips
Paris doesn't have to be expensive — the art lies in knowing where and when:
- Free Museum Days: On the 1st Sunday of the month (October–March), most national museums are free: Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Orangerie, Musée Rodin, and more. Under 26 and an EU citizen? Then all national museums are always free!
- Free Museums: Permanently free: Musée Carnavalet (History of Paris), Petit Palais, Maison de Victor Hugo, Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. All world-class, all free.
- Picnic instead of Restaurant: A baguette (€1.30), a piece of cheese (€3), a bottle of wine (€5 from the supermarket), and fruit — all together under €12 for two people. A feast by the Seine or in the Tuileries.
- Navigo Easy: Load 10 rides (Carnet) for €16.90 on the reusable card (€2 purchase) — instead of €2.15 per single ride. For longer stays: Navigo Découverte (weekly pass, starting Monday, €30.75 for all zones including the airport).
- Happy Hours: Many bars in Marais, Oberkampf, and Canal Saint-Martin offer Happy Hours (5–8 PM) with beer from €4 and cocktails from €6.
- Eau du robinet: In every restaurant, you have the right to a "carafe d'eau" (tap water) — free, excellent quality. Never pay for water!
- Paris Museum Pass: For 2 days (€55) or 4 days (€70): Free entry + skip-the-line to 50+ museums and monuments (Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, etc.). Worth it from 3+ museums per day.
- Wallace Fountains: The green drinking water fountains (100+ throughout Paris) provide fresh, filtered water. Bring a bottle and refill.
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