When relocating to Paris, it’s not uncommon to have specific expectations about where you’ll live: security, size, sleeping amenities, closet space, natural light, calm, floor, proximity to public transportation, etc. So it’s important to prepare yourself for the Parisian lifestyle.
Here are 9 things to keep in mind:
Space is Limited
Space in Paris comes at a premium. As in any global city, housing in Paris is scarce due to its dense population. For standard Parisian apartment sizes, expect the following: studio: 9-35 m2, 1-bedroom: 30-70 m2; 2-bedroom: 50-120 m2; 3-bedroom: 80-250 m2; 4-bedroom: 120-300+ m2.
Rent Prices Stay High Within Paris
The estimated average rent price per square meter in Paris is 38€. This number will vary greatly depending on many factors: district/arrondissement, floor, situation of the apartment, any amenities included such as a terrace, balcony, parking spot, gardienne/concierge, etc. Considering an apartment in central Paris, studios generally begin at 800 € per month, but it is not uncommon to see studios in the 1 200 € price range. A 1-bedroom can average between 1 000 € – 3 000 € per month. 2-bedroom apartments will move your budget between 2 200 € – 4 500 € in monthly rent. For larger spaces, one can expect rents to be between 3 000 € – 6 000 € for a 3-bedroom and 4 400 € – 12 000 €+ for a 4-bedroom+.
Is Paris Safe
Paris is more or less safe. However, as in any big city, you must use common sense. Make sure your bags are properly closed, and your apartment is locked! Check to see if the apartment you’re interested in has a gardien (building caretaker) who takes care of the common areas of the building and handles the mail during the day. Since a garden may not be present at night, most buildings will have intercoms and second door codes to ensure safety.
Stairs or Elevator?
Many of the apartment buildings in Paris are over 100 years old, which means they were built without an elevator. Later, elevators were installed into tiny shafts between the staircase, and so they may not fit more than three people, much less luggage! Make sure to find out if the apartment you’re interested in has an elevator. If it doesn’t, will you be comfortable climbing the stairs every day? Also note that European building floors start at zero, and so the first floor means climbing one flight of stairs.
What is your Noise Tolerance?
Due to the age of Parisian apartment buildings, renovation works (including electrical and gas installations) are more common, and so expect a little noise and dust from time to time from other apartments in the building.
The orientation of the apartment is another important factor. For those who plan to work from home, make sure the apartment has at least one room that faces the courtyard so you can have more calm. Most owners have installed double-glazed windows for this reason, and so don’t forget to ask when visiting apartments!
Hot Water can be Scarce
Depending on the building you’re visiting, the apartment may have either a hot water tank or an electric boiler. If you have a hot water tank, beware! The tank may not be large enough for several long hot showers and loads of wash, at least not all at once!
Driving and Parking
As in any large city, driving and parking in Paris can be a nightmare. If you bring your car, make sure the apartment rental you choose has a parking spot in the building or a parking garage nearby. For more information about parking in Paris, consult our article "How to Find a Parking Spot in Paris". You might also consider living close to work or school. If you’re debating to leave your car and take public transportation, Paris has one of the top public transportation systems of the world!
Don’t Be Offended
The laws in France heavily protect tenants’ rights, and so the owner will often require several guarantees from you to assure him or her that you will pay your rent each month. It’s taken only as a precaution, and so please don’t feel that it has anything to do with you personally.
Follow the Golden Rule
The owner of your long term furnished rental wants you to enjoy your new home in Paris, but make sure you treat his or her apartment as you would have them treat yours. By respecting the apartments and its furnishings, you will be sure to have a landlord that is willing to help you when necessary.
Have a magical time in Paris! Don’t expect it to be like any other city you’ve visited or lived in before, and if you want to rent a furnished apartment in Paris for long-term, don’t hesitate to contact Paris Rental!
The following articles may interest you if you are planning to relocate to Paris:
credit photo @Isaiah Bekkers
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