Living in the city of lights or the city of fog, both have their own charm and appeal. However, one major factor that plays a crucial role while deciding which city to choose is the cost of living.
Paris and London are two of the most popular cities in Europe, attracting a large number of tourists and expats every year. But which city is cheaper to live in? Let’s break it down.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, London is known for its skyrocketing rent prices. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in central London can easily set you back around £1,700 ($2,380) per month. On the other hand, Paris has more affordable rent prices with an average cost of around €1,100 ($1,320) per month for the same type of apartment.
Winner: Paris
Food
Both Paris and London have diverse food scenes with numerous options ranging from street food to fine dining restaurants. However, eating out in London can be quite expensive with an average meal costing around £15-20 ($21-28). In contrast, Paris offers more affordable dining options with an average meal costing around €10-15 ($12-18).
Transportation
Paris has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses and metros making it easy to navigate the city without breaking your bank account. A monthly pass for unlimited travel on all modes of transportation costs around €75 ($90).
In comparison, London’s public transportation system is also quite efficient but comes at a higher price. A monthly pass for unlimited travel on all modes of transportation costs around £135 ($190).
Entertainment
Both cities offer various forms of entertainment such as museums, theaters, cinemas and parks. However, London’s entertainment scene is known to be more expensive than Paris. For instance, visiting the Louvre in Paris costs around €15 ($18) while visiting the British Museum in London is free but some exhibitions are ticketed and can cost up to £20 ($28).
Overall
Based on the above factors, it’s clear that Paris is cheaper to live in than London. Although both cities have high living standards, if you’re on a tight budget, Paris offers more affordable options for accommodation, food and transportation. However, it’s important to note that your personal preferences and lifestyle choices can also impact your cost of living in either city.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable yet culturally rich city to live in, Paris might be the right choice for you!