Living the Dream in Paris: A Month-Long Adventure
Ever wondered what it costs to live the dream for a month in Paris? From cozy accommodations to delicious eats and unforgettable experiences, my husband and I tallied up every penny spent during our month-long adventure. But what truly made every cent worth it? Our love affair with Paris, of course!
Accommodation: $1500
For our month-long stay, finding the perfect accommodation was crucial. After much research and deliberation, we settled on this cozy Airbnb that was $1500 for a month. The apartment was a quintessential Parisian abode, complete with wooden beams, a full kitchen, and a quaint courtyard where we enjoyed leisurely breakfasts every morning. It was a little outside of the center of Paris, but only took us about 20 minutes by metro to the Louvre. The neighborhood was so charming and very safe. We quickly discovered our favorite local bakery, supermarket and cafes.
Eating Out: $650
One of the highlights of our Parisian adventure was undoubtedly the culinary journey we embarked on. From buttery croissants and flaky pastries to decadent cheese platters, every meal was a celebration of delicious French food. We spent a total of $650 for meals, including dining at restaurants, cafes, and indulging in street food delights like crepes and gelatos.
Some of our favorite dining experiences included trying escargot in a cozy bistro in Montmartre, grabbing a croissant and hot chocolate at a charming cafe, indulging in a decadent cheese tasting at a fromagerie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and enjoying a leisurely picnic in the lush gardens of Luxembourg Palace. About half way through our month in Paris, we discovered Buillons. We found out that a bouillon is a large eatery where classic French dishes are served quickly and cheaply, often in magnificent surroundings. At most of the Buillons, my Steak & Frites was aout $13 and Shayne’s sea bass was $11. This was a great way to save money on eating out.
Groceries: $320
It’s so easy for eating out to eat into our budget, so we knew we needed to be strategic about eating at home as often as possible. We ate every breakfast at home, and ate lunch and dinner at home about four times a week each and spent about $320 for the month.
Hello Fresh Delivery: $120
I’m separating this out because this is just the best cheat code if you want to save money on your food budget, either at home or while traveling. By signing up for a new plan (with a new email address) every week, we got 4 weekly meal kits delivered for a total of $120. I love to cook, but shopping in a new country can be a little intimidating. These meal kits take the guesswork out of planning meals, come with everything you need to make delicious meals, and saved us hundreds of dollars during our month in Paris.
Entertainment and Activities: $450
Even though we wanted to stick to our budget, you can’t go to Paris and not immerse yourself in Parisian culture with visits to museums, galleries, and iconic landmarks. We skipped some of the things we had done in the past like going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and found some ways to save a little money on attractions we really wanted to visit. Most museums have one free day every month, and many had one night a week that they stayed open late and charged a lower price, so we saved a little that way. We found free concerts in many churches that were excellent too. We c still visited all of our favorite museums like the Orsay, Louvre, and Rodin. And our favorite, and totally free, activity was to just wander the charming streets of Paris and discover new neighborhoods.
Transportation: $200
Navigating Paris is easy with its efficient public transportation system. Taking the metro in Paris is often faster than driving, and is so much less expensive. We spent $100 each for a monthly Navigo travel pass that allowed us to use all public transportation- metro, trains, buses- throughout Paris. With each one-way metro ride costing $2.50, we estimate that we saved at least $400 by purchasing and using the monthly pass.
Miscellaneous: $250
Gotta leave room in the budget for those random things we end up always needing. We had to purchase items like shampoo, postcards, shaving cream, a new jacket for Shayne (only $20!), a mani-pedi for me, and toilet paper.
Final Thoughts
We ended up spending just under $3500 for our month in Paris. Even though we were over our normal monthly travel budget goal of $3000, we are really happy with how we did. Our goal for Paris was to stay under $4000 and we are so proud of how well we did! Our month-long adventure in Paris was nothing short of magical. From the breathtaking views to the cozy cafes tucked away in hidden alleyways, every moment was a testament to the city’s enduring allure and timeless charm.
Paris, with its timeless beauty and endless wonders, will always hold a special place in our hearts. And as we bid adieu to the City of Lights, we carry with us not just memories, but a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the magic that exists in the world around us.
So if you ever find yourself dreaming of Paris, we hope our experience will help you seize the moment and embark on your own adventure. Whether it’s for a week, a month, or a lifetime, the memories you create will be worth every penny spent and every moment cherished.
