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

By Alice Nichols

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Paris, one of the most romantic and culturally rich cities in the world, you might be wondering how much money you need to save for your trip. While the cost of traveling can vary greatly depending on factors such as your travel style, accommodation preferences, and dining choices, we’ve put together a rough estimate to help you plan your budget.

Transportation
The first thing to consider when planning a trip to Paris is transportation. Depending on where you’re coming from, airfare can range from $500 to $1,500 or more. Once you arrive in Paris, you have several options for getting around the city.

The metro is a convenient and affordable option with tickets starting at around 1.90€ per ride. Taxis are more expensive but can be a good option if you’re traveling with a group or have heavy luggage. Expect to pay around 10-15€ for a short ride within the city.

Accommodation
Accommodation is another major expense to consider when planning your Paris trip budget. A budget hotel or hostel will cost anywhere from 50-100€ per night while a mid-range hotel will cost around 150-300€ per night. If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, expect to pay upwards of 500€ per night.

Food and Drink
Paris is known for its world-class cuisine and dining out can be a major expense during your trip. A typical meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost between 20-40€ per person while fine dining can easily exceed 100€ per person. If you’re looking to save money on food, consider eating at local markets or buying groceries to prepare meals at home.

Entertainment
There’s no shortage of things to do in Paris and entertainment costs can add up quickly. Admission fees for museums and attractions range from 10-20€ per person while guided tours can cost upwards of 50€ per person. If you’re on a budget, consider visiting free attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or exploring the city’s many parks and gardens.

Overall Cost
So, how much should you budget for a trip to Paris? Based on the above estimates, a budget traveler can expect to spend around 50-100€ per day while a mid-range traveler should plan for around 150-300€ per day.

If you’re looking for luxury accommodations and dining experiences, expect to spend upwards of 500€ per day. Keep in mind that these estimates are just rough guidelines and your actual expenses may vary depending on your travel style and preferences.

  • Airfare: $500-$1,500+
  • Metro: starting at 1.90€ per ride
  • Taxis: around 10-15€ for a short ride within the city
  • Accommodation: budget hotel or hostel (50-100€), mid-range hotel (150-300€), luxury accommodations (500€+)
  • Dining out: mid-range restaurant (20-40€), fine dining (100€+)
  • Entertainment: admission fees for museums and attractions (10-20€), guided tours (50€+)

Tips for Saving Money in Paris

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, here are some tips to help you save money during your trip:

  • Visit free attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral.
  • Eat at local markets or buy groceries to prepare meals at home.
  • Take advantage of free events such as outdoor concerts and festivals.
  • Travel during the shoulder season (spring or fall) when prices are lower.
  • Use public transportation instead of taxis or private cars.

Conclusion

While a trip to Paris can be expensive, it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s worth the cost. By budgeting carefully and taking advantage of cost-saving measures, you can enjoy all that Paris has to offer without breaking the bank. Bon voyage!