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 generally a safe city, but like any major metropolitan area, it’s important to stay vigilant. Protect yourself by keeping your bags zipped and secure, especially in crowded areas, touristy areas, or on public transportation, where pickpocketing can occur.
When choosing an apartment, consider one with a gardien (building caretaker). A gardien maintains the common areas and manages mail deliveries during the day, adding a layer of security. Most Parisian buildings also have intercom systems and double-door entry codes for added safety, especially at night.
By following these precautions and using common sense, you can enjoy the city with peace of mind.
Stairs or Elevator?
Many apartment buildings in Paris are over a century old and were originally built without elevators. In some cases, small elevators were added later, often in narrow shafts between staircases. These elevators can typically accommodate no more than three people or a small amount of luggage.
Before renting or buying an apartment, check whether it has an elevator and consider if you’ll be comfortable climbing stairs daily if it doesn’t. Remember that in Europe, floors start at zero, so the "first floor" requires climbing one flight of stairs. Keep this in mind when evaluating your options!
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, the apartment may have either a hot water tank or an electric boiler. If it has a hot water tank, take note of its capacity—it might not be large enough to support multiple long hot showers or several loads of laundry in quick succession. Planning your hot water usage accordingly can help you avoid running out of hot water at inconvenient times!
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 When Landlords Asking for Guarantees
The laws in France heavily protect tenants’ rights, so the owner will often require several guarantees (guarantor, bank guarantee, rental insurance, etc) from you to assure them that you will pay your rent each month. It’s taken only as a precaution, so please don’t feel offended, 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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