While the capital is an exceptional place for culture and entertainment, perfect for a busy student life, it's also the most expensive city in the country in terms of cost of living. With transport costs rising every year, food and electricity prices and exorbitant rents, students struggle to make ends meet. Many have to find odd jobs to get by, in addition to their studies and any grants they may receive, which are not being increased in line with their financial difficulties. But Paris isn't the only one concerned, as 9 cities in the Paris region are in the top 10 for the most expensive places to live.
According to a ranking by student union Unef, Paris is obviously at the top of the podium, closely followed by Nanterre and Créteil. Only the city of Nice adds a little change to this top 10, which contains only Île-de-France cities. The average budget for studying in the capital is apparently 1,557.45 euros, an increase of almost 5%. But if the concentration of students is so high in the region, it's because Paris Region universities are among the best in France.
While rents have fallen in Saint-Denis, Champs-sur-Marne and Orsay, property prices have soared in Guyancourt and Evry, putting Essonne in the top 10. And the cost of living is set to soar again at the start of the 2023 academic year, the highest level ever, according to the union.
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