Paris Travel Cost: Daily Budget and Expense Guide

Quick answer

An average daily budget in Paris ranges from €85 ($92) for budget travellers to €280 ($303) for comfortable mid-range stays. A five-day trip for a solo traveller typically costs €850–€1,400 ($920–$1,515), while a couple should budget €2,200 ($2,380) for a mid-range experience including a central hotel in the 10th or 11th arrondissements.

Daily spending varies significantly by district. A meal at a neighborhood bistro in Belleville or the 20th arrondissement averages €18–€25 ($20–$27), whereas dining near the Eiffel Tower or Place Vendôme often exceeds €60 ($65) per person. Local transport via the RATP network costs €2.15 ($2.30) for a single T+ ticket, but the Navigo Liberté + or a weekly Navigo Découverte pass for €30.75 ($33.30) reduces costs for frequent users. Major attractions like the Louvre (€22/$24) and the Arc de Triomphe (€16/$17.50) require advance booking. All prices are estimates; check official sites before visiting.

Daily budget categories

Budgets are divided into three tiers excluding international flights.

Accommodation costs by district

Hotels in the 1st through 8th arrondissements command the highest premiums. Budget-conscious travellers often look to the 12th, 13th, and 19th arrondissements for better value.

• Hostels: A dorm bed in a facility like The People Paris Belleville or Generator Paris costs €35–€55 ($38–$60). Private rooms in hostels start at €120 ($130).
• Mid-range hotels: A standard double room in the 11th arrondissement (near Bastille or République) or the 14th (Montparnasse) typically ranges from €160 to €240 ($173–$260) per night.
• Luxury hotels: 5-star properties in the 1st or 8th, such as those near Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, start at €700 ($758) and can exceed €2,000 ($2,166) during Fashion Week or major trade shows.

Food and dining expenses

Parisian dining costs are influenced by the 'formule' (set menu) system. Lunch is significantly cheaper than dinner for the same quality of food.

• Breakfast: A croissant and espresso at a standing bar in a café costs €3–€5 ($3.25–$5.40). A seated 'Petit Déjeuner' with juice and a baguette costs €10–€15 ($11–$16).
• Lunch: A 'formule' (starter + main or main + dessert) at a local bistro usually costs €18–€24 ($19.50–$26). A jambon-beurre sandwich from a boulangerie is €5–€8 ($5.40–$8.70).
• Dinner: A three-course meal at a mid-range bistro in the 9th or 10th arrondissement costs €35–€55 ($38–$60) without wine. A glass of house wine is €5–€9 ($5.40–$9.70).
• Coffee and Water: An 'espresso' at a table is €2.50–€4 ($2.70–$4.30). Tap water ('une carafe d'eau') is free by law; bottled water in restaurants is €5–€8 ($5.40–$8.70).

Transport and attraction pricing

The city is divided into zones 1-5. Most tourist sites are in Zones 1-2.

• Metro/Bus: A single T+ ticket is €2.15 ($2.30). A pack of 10 digital tickets loaded onto a Navigo Easy card costs €17.35 ($18.80).
• Airport Transfers: The RER B train from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Gare du Nord is €11.80 ($12.80). A fixed-rate taxi to the Right Bank is €56 ($60.60); to the Left Bank is €65 ($70.40).
• Museums: The Louvre is €22 ($24). The Musée d’Orsay is €16 ($17.30). The Paris Museum Pass costs €62 ($67) for 48 hours, €77 ($83) for 96 hours, or €92 ($100) for 144 hours.
• River Cruises: A basic 1-hour Bateaux-Mouche or Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise is €15–€18 ($16–$19.50).

5-day trip total estimates

These totals assume a moderate level of sightseeing and a mix of dining options.

• Solo Traveller (Mid-range): €1,250 ($1,350). Includes a private room in a 3-star hotel, two museum visits, and daily bistro meals.
• Couple (Mid-range): €2,200 ($2,380). Includes a shared double room, several bottles of wine, and a river cruise.
• Family of Four (Mid-range): €3,800 ($4,115). Includes a quad room or two connecting rooms, family-friendly dining, and entry to Disneyland Paris (€72–€105 per person depending on the date).

Specific ways to cut costs

1. Drink at the bar: Most cafés charge a premium for sitting at a table, especially on the terrace. A 'café express' at the counter is often 50% cheaper.
2. Use the 'Bouillon' restaurants: Historic venues like Bouillon Pigalle or Bouillon Chartier serve classic French dishes (oeufs mayonnaise, steak frites) for €10–€15 ($11–$16).
3. Book the 'Navigo Découverte': If arriving on a Monday or Tuesday and staying for at least 4 days, the €30.75 ($33.30) weekly pass covers all zones (1-5), including CDG airport, Orly, and Versailles. You need a small physical photo for this pass.
4. Free Museum Days: National museums like the Musée d'Orsay and the Pompidou Centre are free on the first Sunday of every month. Expect significant queues.
5. Refill water bottles: Paris has over 1,200 Wallace Fountains and sparkling water fountains (fontaines pétillantes) providing free, safe drinking water.

Common mistakes

• Buying individual tickets to CDG: Using a standard T+ metro ticket to the airport results in a fine. You must buy the specific €11.80 RER B airport ticket.
• Eating at the nearest café to a landmark: Restaurants within 200 metres of the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame frequently charge double for lower quality food.
• Paying for water: Asking for 'l'eau minérale' will result in a charge. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
• Tipping 20%: Service is included in the price in France. A small tip of €1–€2 is appreciated for good service at dinner, but American-style percentages are not expected.
• Not validating tickets: On buses and trams, you must validate your ticket or card at the machine. Roving inspectors frequently issue €50 ($54) on-the-spot fines.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner creates a custom day-by-day itinerary that integrates these cost estimates with live weather data and transport times. You can adjust your budget preferences to see how staying in different arrondissements affects your total trip price, generate a specific packing list for the season, and book tickets for the RER and museums in a single interface.