Cost To Visit Paris: 2024 Travel Budget Guide

Is Paris an expensive place to vacation?

Relative to the average U.S. travel costs, Paris is on the pricier side, especially for a European destination. However, within the region, it’s considered mid-range—more expensive than some other European capitals but cheaper than cities like London or Zurich.

This guide will break down costs for different travel seasons, including lodging, food, and attractions, and highlight which areas of Paris are more affordable to stay in.

Seasonal Cost

When planning a trip to Paris, the time of year you choose to visit can drastically impact the cost. Paris experiences distinct seasons, each affecting prices for accommodations, flights, and attractions. Understanding these seasonal changes will help you decide the best time to go based on your budget.

Peak Season

• June to August is the peak tourist season in Paris.
• The city is bustling with visitors, and prices for hotels and flights are at their highest.
• Summer festivals, warm weather, and longer daylight hours make it an attractive time to visit.
• Expect to pay a premium for everything from accommodations to dining out.

Shoulder Season

• The shoulder seasons in Paris are April to May and September to October.
• During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are thinner compared to the summer.
• Prices for hotels and flights tend to be more reasonable.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a balance between cost and experience.

Off-Season

• The off-season in Paris runs from November to March (excluding the Christmas and New Year period).
• Winter in Paris can be chilly, but you’ll find the best deals on flights and accommodations.
• The city is less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience at popular attractions.

Most Expensive Times To Visit Paris

The most expensive times to visit Paris are driven by peak travel seasons, holidays, and major events:

• June, July, and August are the most expensive months to visit Paris due to the peak tourist season.
• December, especially around Christmas and New Year, is also costly due to holiday festivities and the city's festive atmosphere.
• Major events that cause price spikes include:
  • Paris Fashion Week (late September and early October) – draws in fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals worldwide.
  • Paris Air Show (June, every two years) – a major event that attracts aviation enthusiasts and professionals, significantly increasing hotel prices.

During these periods, expect higher prices for accommodations, flights, and even dining. Booking well in advance is essential if you plan to visit during these times.

Cheapest Months To Visit Paris

The cheapest times to visit Paris are those with fewer tourists, cooler weather, and fewer events:

• January and February are the most budget-friendly months to visit Paris. Despite the colder weather, these months offer the lowest prices for flights and accommodations.
• Early March and November are also budget-friendly, with fewer tourists and discounted rates on many attractions.
• January and February offer excellent opportunities for budget travelers, with post-holiday deals on hotels and attractions.

Traveling during these months allows you to experience Paris at a slower pace and at a fraction of the cost of peak season visits.

Where You Stay

Your choice of location in Paris significantly impacts the cost of your stay. Two accommodations with similar amenities can vary greatly in price depending on the neighborhood. Below, we outline the most expensive, affordable, and cheapest areas to stay in Paris.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

1. 1st Arrondissement (Louvre):
   • Pros: Central location, proximity to the Louvre, Palais Royal, and high-end shopping.
   • Cons: Very expensive, crowded with tourists.
   • Nearby Attractions: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal.
2. 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower):
   • Pros: Iconic views, close to the Eiffel Tower and Musée d'Orsay.
   • Cons: Premium prices for proximity to major landmarks.
   • Nearby Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, Champ de Mars.
3. 8th Arrondissement (Champs-Élysées):
   • Pros: Luxury shopping, proximity to Arc de Triomphe.
   • Cons: High cost of accommodations and dining.
   • Nearby Attractions: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais.

Affordable Areas To Stay

1. 10th Arrondissement (Canal Saint-Martin):
   • Pros: Trendy area with cafes, close to Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est.
   • Cons: Less central, but well-connected by metro.
   • Nearby Attractions: Canal Saint-Martin, Place de la République.
2. 11th Arrondissement (Bastille):
   • Pros: Vibrant nightlife, affordable dining options.
   • Cons: Not as close to major tourist attractions.
   • Nearby Attractions: Bastille Opera House, Place de la Bastille, Rue de la Roquette.

Cheapest Areas To Stay

1. 18th Arrondissement (Montmartre):
   • Pros: Charming and historic, budget-friendly accommodations, close to Sacré-Cœur.
   • Cons: Farther from central Paris, hilly terrain.
   • Nearby Attractions: Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Place du Tertre, Montmartre Museum.
2. 19th Arrondissement (La Villette):
   • Pros: Quiet, green spaces like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, budget-friendly.
   • Cons: Further from main attractions, quieter nightlife.
   • Nearby Attractions: Parc de la Villette, Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, Canal de l'Ourcq.

Check rates and availability for these areas on Booking.com to find the best accommodations that suits your needs and falls within your travel budget.

Paris Vacation Costs

Below, we will break down the cost you can expect to spend on lodging, food, transportation, as well as what some of the popular attractions and day trips cost.

Avg. Accommodation Cost

• Budget Travelers:
  • Low Season: €50-€100 ($55-$110) per night
  • Shoulder Season: €70-€120 ($75-$130) per night
  • Peak Season: €100-€150 ($110-$165) per night
• Moderate Travelers:
  • Low Season: €120-€180 ($130-$200) per night
  • Shoulder Season: €150-€220 ($165-$240) per night
  • Peak Season: €200-€300 ($220-$330) per night
• Luxury Travelers:
  • Low Season: €250-€400 ($275-$440) per night
  • Shoulder Season: €350-€500 ($385-$550) per night
  • Peak Season: €500-€800 ($550-$880) per night

Paris Food Cost

• Budget Travelers:
  • Breakfast: €5-€10 ($5.50-$11)
  • Lunch: €10-€15 ($11-$16.50)
  • Dinner: €15-€25 ($16.50-$27.50)
• Moderate Travelers:
  • Breakfast: €10-€15 ($11-$16.50)
  • Lunch: €15-€25 ($16.50-$27.50)
  • Dinner: €25-€40 ($27.50-$44)
• Luxury Travelers:
  • Breakfast: €20-€30 ($22-$33)
  • Lunch: €30-€50 ($33-$55)
  • Dinner: €50-€100+ ($55-$110+)

Paris Transportation Cost

• Budget Travelers:
  • Metro: €1.90 ($2.10) per single ticket, €14.90 ($16.50) for a 10-ticket carnet
  • Bus: Same as metro
  • Bicycle Rentals (Vélib’): €5 ($5.50) for a 24-hour pass
• Moderate Travelers:
  • Taxi: €7-€15 ($8-$16.50) for short rides within central Paris
  • Rideshare (Uber): Similar to taxi, with minimum fares around €7-€10 ($8-$11)
• Luxury Travelers:
  • Private Car Service: €60-€100 ($66-$110) per hour
  • Chauffeur for a day: €400-€600 ($440-$660)

Paris Attractions Cost

• Eiffel Tower: €17-€26 ($18.50-$28.50) for summit access
• Louvre Museum: €17 ($18.50) per adult, free for EU residents under 26
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: €10 ($11) for the crypt
• Musée d'Orsay: €16 ($17.50) per adult
• Seine River Cruise: €15-€25 ($16.50-$27.50)
• Palace of Versailles: €18 ($19.50) per adult

Cost Of Day Trips From Paris

• Versailles:
  • Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
  • Transport: RER C train (€7.30 round trip, $8)
  • Attractions: Palace of Versailles (€18 $19.50), Gardens (free except on Musical Fountain Show days)
• Giverny (Monet’s Garden):
  • Distance: 75 km (47 miles)
  • Transport: Train to Vernon (€15-€20 round trip, $16.50-$22), then bus (€5 $5.50)
  • Attractions: Monet’s House and Gardens (€11 $12)
• Champagne Region:
  • Distance: 140 km (87 miles)
  • Transport: Train to Reims (€40-€60 round trip, $44-$66)
  • Attractions: Champagne cellars tours (€20-€50 $22-$55)
• Normandy (D-Day Beaches):
  • Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
  • Transport: Train to Bayeux (€60-€100 round trip, $66-$110), then bus or tour
  • Attractions: Omaha Beach (free), Normandy American Cemetery (free)

Book in advance and save money on Paris attractions, tours and day trips with GetYourGuide.com, where you can read recent reviews from other travelers and have the ability to cancel anything you book with only 24 hours notice if your plans change.

Weekly Budget (in USD) by Season

Peak Season (June - August, December)

Shoulder Season (April - May, September - October)

Off-Season (January - March, November)

Flight Cost

Flights to Paris vary greatly depending on your departure location, the time of year, and the airline. Typically, you can expect to pay:

• Low Season (January - March, November): $400-$600 round trip
• Shoulder Season (April - May, September - October): $500-$800 round trip
• Peak Season (June - August, December): $700-$1,200+ round trip

You can save money on flights by signing up for cheap flight alerts from Jetsetter Alerts.

Life is short, and whether you're on a budget or planning a luxury getaway, the memories you create in Paris will be priceless. The adventure of exploring the City of Light, from its iconic landmarks to its charming streets, is what truly matters—not the thread count of your hotel sheets.

I hope you this Paris Travel Budget Guide has helped you plan you next adventure and you are ready to go make some unforgettable memories in Paris!

Related Post

6 Million Dead People: The Creepy Paris Catacombs

Let’s enter the Creepy Paris Catacombs as we embark on a journey into the darkness beneath the streets of Paris. This is the start our “Creepy Travel Series” focusing on attractions around the world that give you the creeps or have a sinister past.

Jetsetter AlertsTeam