How Much Money Do I Need for a Trip to Paris?

Visiting Paris could be a dream come true for many.

But, the question always remains: how much money do you actually need for a trip to this enchanting city?

I’ve had the luxury of both visiting Paris as a tourist and living in Paris for the past 4 years, and I’ve got a good idea on how much money it takes to enjoy this city to the fullest.

Let’s dive into the costs and come up with an average budget for your Paris trip.

How Much Money Do I Need for a Trip to Paris?

An average 5-day stay in Paris would cost around $1,280 (€1,160), which includes popular activities, occasional dining out, accommodation, and transportation.

⚠️ Note: Keep in mind that this figure may vary greatly depending on your spending habits.

Let me break down a typical daily budget (excluding accommodation) in Paris for you:

1. Meals: Expect to spend about $46 (€41) a day on meals, with breakfast at a local cafe and dinner at a not-so-fancy restaurant. Yummy crepes, anyone?
2. Local transportation: Allocate around $24 (€21) daily for getting around the city. Opt for public transport and weekly passes to save some extra bucks.
3. Attractions and activities: Be prepared to spend between €60.00 – €80.00 for sightseeing, guided tours, and museum entries. Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum!

Average cost of a Paris trip: Budget, Mid-Range, & Luxury

Now, let’s explore how your budget could vary:

Low-budget	Average	High-budget – Luxury
$800	$1,280	$2,500-3,000

Budget option

If you’re a savvy budget traveler, around $800 may be enough for a 5-day trip.

Staying at a hostel for about €25 a night, skipping fancy meals, and being selective about attractions could help you stay within budget. Remember, baguettes and hostel kitchens are your friends!

Luxury option

On the other end of the spectrum, if luxury and comfort are your top priorities, be prepared to shell out $2,500 to $3,000 for a 5-day trip. This budget includes splurging on private tours, cozy hotel rooms, and relishing French cuisine at its finest.

While these costs provide a general overview, your expenditure in Paris will ultimately depend on your preferences and travel style.

⚡ Related read: The 10 Best 4-Star Hotels in Paris

Planning Your Budget for a Paris Trip

Paris, the City of Love, is a spectacular place to explore, but it’s also important to plan your expenses.

In this guide, I’ll help you figure out a budget for your visit, so that you can have an incredible experience without breaking the bank.

Accommodation Costs

When I first ventured to Paris, I was surprised by the range of accommodation options available. From budget hostels to luxurious five-star hotels, there’s something for every type of traveler.

If you’re a budget traveler, a hostel dorm room can cost around €25 per night. However, if you’re willing to splurge for more comfort, a mid-range hotel will set you back around €150-€200 per night.

A private room in a vacation rental or a boutique hotel could be a great option as well, with prices falling in between those two extremes.

During my first visit, I opted for a cozy Airbnb near the city center, which was a perfect blend of affordability and convenience.

Here’s a quick breakdown of accommodation costs in Paris:

Type	Average Price (per night)
Hostel Dorm Room	€25
Mid-Range Hotel	€150-€200
Luxury Hotel	€350+

Remember that prices may vary depending on factors like your travel style, the time of year you visit, and how far in advance you book.

⚡ Related read: Where to Stay in Paris (Best Areas & Hotels)

Food and Dining Expenses

It’s essential to allocate a portion of your budget for food, especially for those must-try local dishes.

On average, you might spend around €46 per day on meals. This figure includes a combination of eating out and grabbing a snack at a local market or grocery store.

I found it helpful to have a mix of both – I’d grab fresh fruit from the market for breakfast, and then treat myself to a nice dinner in the evening.

Here are some average prices for dining in Paris:

• Inexpensive meal: €10-€15
• Mid-range restaurant meal: €25-€40
• Fine dining experience: €90+

Of course, you’ll find various price ranges across the city. Once in a while, I splurge on a fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant – it’s usually well worth the investment, but not something I do every night!

There are tonnnnns of cheap and delicious Paris restaurants to try when you’re eating on a budget – I recommend checking out a few of them to save some money on meals while you’re here!

Planning your budget for a Paris trip involves considering your options for accommodation and dining, based on your preferences and travel style. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, so factor in some wiggle room for unexpected expenses.

Transportation Costs in Paris

Getting to Paris

So you’ve decided to visit the beautiful City of Light for your next vacation, and now you need to figure out the cost of getting there.

If you’re coming from the United States, particularly from a city like New York or San Francisco, you’ll find that the cost of flights will be one of your major expenses.

A direct flight from New York to one of Paris’ international airports like Charles de Gaulle Airport can range anywhere between $300-$1,000 depending on the time of year, airline, and how far in advance you book.

Keep an eye out for deals and be flexible with your travel dates if possible to save some cash!

Getting Around Paris

Once you’ve arrived in the enchanting streets of Paris, you’ll want to explore all the famous landmarks on your bucket list.

Lucky for you, Paris has an excellent public transportation system. The most affordable and convenient way to get around is via metro.

A single metro ticket costs €2.10 or about $2.15, and you can buy a carnet (a set of 10) for €14.90 or $17.

Not too bad for getting around one of the most beautiful cities in the world, eh?

💡 Note: For the period of July 20 to Sept. 8 (during the 2024 Summer Olympics), the price of a single, one-way metro ticket will increase to €4.10.

If you’re planning to use the metro frequently during your visit, it might be worth looking into the Paris Visite Pass. This pass offers unlimited travel on local transportation, including buses, trams, RER, and metro lines. Prices range from €12-€65.80 (about $13-$75) depending on the duration of the pass and the zones you want to cover.

A quick tip: while the magical City of Light might tempt you to use taxis or ride-hailing services like Uber, these options can add up quickly and exceed your budget. Stick to public transportation when possible!

With metro stations practically at every corner, you’ll be able to navigate the city without breaking the bank. This way, you can save some euros for indulging in all those delicious croissants and eclairs that’ll be calling your name.

⚡ Related read: How to Navigate the Paris Metro Like A Pro

Cost of Popular Activities and Attractions

Must-See Attractions

While planning your trip to Paris, you’ll want to make sure you allocate enough funds for some of the city’s iconic attractions. Often on many travelers’ bucket lists, these sites are a must-see when visiting the beautiful City of Light.

1. Louvre Museum: Home to the famous Mona Lisa, a full price of €14.32 will grant you entry, so you can marvel at the rich history contained within its walls.
2. Notre Dame Cathedral: Although currently closed for restoration, don’t forget to admire its stunning architecture from the outside.
3. Arc de Triomphe: For a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and Paris, it’s well worth the fee to climb its steps.
4. Moulin Rouge: Catch a truly Parisian experience by attending a cabaret show. Prices vary depending on the package, so choose wisely based on your travel plans.

Another tip for convenience and budget is to consider the Paris Museum Pass or the Paris Pass, which can save you time and money at numerous popular tourist attractions. Plus, it makes visiting these must-sees even more accessible.

⚡ Related read: How to Visit the Arc de Triomphe

Hidden Gems and Free Activities

Paris has more to offer than just its main attractions.

Diving into the hidden gems and participating in free activities is great for those on a reasonable budget or simply looking to explore something off the beaten path.

• Free Entry: Many museums in the city offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month, including the Louvre. Check museum schedules and take advantage of this deal during your visit.
• Bustling Markets: Wander through charming local markets where you can sample fresh produce or grab a classic baguette. You’ll truly feel like a Parisian.
• Impromptu Performances: Keep an eye out for street artists and musicians, who often perform in popular areas and parks, adding a unique touch to your time in the city.
• Day Trip to Versailles: Have a day trip to the incredible Palace of Versailles. Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month from November to March. Explore the palace, beautiful gardens and appreciate the rich history without breaking your Paris budget.
• Disneyland Paris: While normally a bit pricey, consider timing your visit during special promotions and discounts, such as “Kids Under 7 Stay and Play for Free” in order to save on some expenses.

⚡ Related read: 15 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Paris

Additional Expenses

Travel Insurance

One of the crucial expenses to consider while planning a trip to Paris is travel insurance.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and getting a good travel insurance deal can provide peace of mind during your trip. Depending on your travel style and needs, the cost of travel insurance may vary, but you can find reasonable prices by comparing different providers.

I remember on my first trip to Paris, my friend and I were initially reluctant to buy travel insurance. However, we later realized that it was a great deal to protect us from any unexpected events, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations.

Travel Style	Price Point
Budget Traveler	$20 – $50 /week
Mid-range Traveler	$40 – $100 /week
Luxury Traveler	$100+ /week

Emergency Funds

It’s always wise to have some emergency funds set aside during your trip. Trust me, you never know when you’ll encounter an unexpected situation that requires additional expenses.

If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to reconsider some optional activities like a Seine River cruise or a day trip to the Loire Valley. However, cutting costs on emergency funds should be a last resort only.

For instance, if you plan a week-long visit to Paris with a budget of $2000, it would be a good idea to allocate around 5-10% (i.e., $100 – $200) of your budget as emergency funds. Having some emergency funds aside is essential!

Thanks for reading!