How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Paris in 2025?

Thinking of living in Paris in 2025? Get ready — rents are still high, but surprisingly, up to 35% cheaper than in New York or London.

For both expats and locals, renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Paris can still take a sizable bite out of the budget. Yet, depending on the neighborhood, apartment-style, and whether it's furnished, the rent prices in Paris vary a lot. In this guide, we break down the 2025 rental market across Paris's 20 arrondissements, compare furnished vs. unfurnished costs, uncover all additional rental expenses (like security deposits and utilities), and show how Paris stacks up against other major cities.

Paris 2-Bedroom Apartment Rental Prices by Neighborhood (2025)

How much is rent in Paris? The answer depends a lot on which arrondissement (neighborhood) you choose. Overall, the average rent per square meter in Paris is around €34 per m², so a typical 2-bedroom apartment of ~70 m² runs roughly €2,400–€3,500 per month as a citywide average. But within the city, rents range widely:

High-End Central Arrondissements (1st, 6th, 7th, 8th)

These prestigious central areas are the most expensive. For example, in the chic 6th arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés), average rents are around €39 per m². That means a 70 m² two-bedroom could cost on the order of €2,800 a month or more. In ultra-prime locations or luxury properties (e.g., near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th district or around the Champs-Élysées in the 8th district), monthly rents can go up to €4,000 for a 2-bedroom.

Moderately Priced Arrondissements (11th, 14th, 15th, 13th)

Looking for better value? In more residential or less touristy areas, rents are more moderate. For instance, the family-friendly 15th arrondissement averages about €34 per m². Similarly, the up-and-coming 13th arrondissement (south-east Paris) is around €33 per m². A two-bedroom (~70 m²) in these areas might be €2,300–€2,500 per month. These areas are loved by families and professionals — less touristy, still close to the center, and well-connected by metro, offering a better value for the space compared to the center.

Outer Arrondissements (18th, 19th, 20th)

The farther-flung neighborhoods in northern and eastern Paris tend to offer the most affordable rents. In the 19th arrondissement (Villette), for example, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around €29 per m² — that's roughly €2,100 per month for 70 m². The 20th arrondissement (Belleville/Ménilmontant) is similarly affordable and increasingly trendy among young Parisians, with average rents around €33 per m²; a 70 m² apartment would cost about €2,300 per month. The 18th arrondissement (around La Chapelle) is another budget-friendly option, averaging €32 per m², or about €2,250 per month for the same space. These districts are popular with students, young professionals, and growing families — offering more space for your money, even if it means a slightly longer commute to the city center. However, thanks to Paris's excellent public transportation system, commuting from outer districts like the 18th, 19th, or 20th to central areas such as Châtelet or Saint-Lazare typically takes no more than 25 to 35 minutes by metro.

Keep in mind that these are average figures — individual listings can vary by 10–50% depending on an apartment's exact size, condition, view, and amenities. Paris also enforces rent control (encadrement des loyers), which sets reference rent limits for standard residential leases under the Alur Law. However, these caps do not apply to Code Civil leases, including rentals for secondary residences, corporate apartments, or company leases. These types of contracts are exempt and often command significantly higher rents. In short, the 2025 Paris rental landscape shows a clear pattern: the closer you are to the center — or the more upscale the neighborhood — the higher the price tag.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments in Paris – Cost Differences

So, should you rent furnished or unfurnished? It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how long you’re staying.

In general, unfurnished apartments are cheaper monthly, while furnished places cost more for convenience. For example, an unfurnished two-bedroom in Paris (around 70 m²) has an average rent of about €2,200 per month. The same apartment furnished might average roughly €2,500 to €2,800 per month. In other words, opting for a furnished unit can mean paying an extra premium (often 15–25% higher).

Why the difference? Furnished rentals come ready with furniture, appliances, and household items, which saves you the hassle and upfront expense of buying these things. They’re especially attractive for short-term stays or a fixed-term work assignment. Many expats initially go for furnished apartments for convenience – “the extra cost is worth it to avoid the hassle of buying and moving furniture, and dealing with utilities.

Furnished apartments in Paris typically come with essentials like beds, sofas, tables, kitchen appliances, and often even internet already set up. This makes moving virtually “suitcase ready,” and utility contracts may remain in the owner’s name (more on utilities below).

Unfurnished apartments, on the other hand, are often truly empty — in France, that can even mean no light fixtures or curtain rods! The advantage of unfurnished rental is lower rent and a longer lease term, typically three years. Unfurnished leases are usually the norm for locals and long-term residents. You’ll have the freedom to furnish and decorate to your taste, but you’ll also need to budget for furniture, appliances, and all necessary installations. Additionally, unfurnished rentals often require more comprehensive insurance to cover your personal belongings. For expats planning to stay several years, the monthly savings can make renting an unfurnished apartment more economical over time.

There are also legal differences: a furnished lease in France is generally 1 year (often automatically renewable), while an unfurnished lease is usually 3 years (giving you more stability). Security deposits differ too – typically two months’ rent for furnished vs. one month’s rent for unfurnished by law. This is important to factor into your upfront costs. We’ll cover deposits in detail next.

In 2025, more renters are gravitating toward unfurnished apartments as the market continues to shift, even among the expats. With rising competition and growing cost-of-living concerns, expats planning to relocate and settle in Paris long-term tend to choose unfurnished rentals to save on monthly rent and personalize their living space. Adding to this trend, a growing number of companies now offer furniture rental services, making it easier for tenants to furnish their homes without significant upfront costs.

That said, furnished apartments remain popular, especially for temporary stays or corporate relocations, where the employer typically covers housing costs.

Speaking of costs — let’s take a look at the additional expenses that come with renting in Paris.

Additional Costs for Renting an Apartment: Deposits, Fees, and Utilities

Budgeting for your Paris apartment involves more than just the monthly rent. Here are the typical additional costs for renters and what to expect:

Security Deposit

In Paris, the security deposit (caution) is regulated and depends on whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished.

This deposit is paid upfront when you sign the lease, and it's refundable at the end of your stay if there's no damage in the apartment or unpaid bills.

Note: Landlords are required to return the security deposit within one to two months after you move out. If there's no damage to the apartment and no unpaid bills or charges, the owner must return the full deposit within one month. However, if there are deductions for repairs or outstanding payments, the owners have up to two months to return the remaining balance, along with a clear explanation of any withholdings.

Agency Fees

If you find your apartment through a real estate agency (very common in Paris), there will be an agency fee:

By French law for primary residence leases, these fees are capped by size – typically about €12–€15 per m² of the apartment. However, if you're renting via a company lease or as a "secondary residence" (not your primary home), different rules apply, and agency fees can be higher (often 10–12% of annual rent for those cases).

💡Tip: Some rentals are listed directly by owners (no fee) on online platforms or through personal networks such as Leboncoin, PAP, and Gens de Confiance, but as a new expat coming to Paris, it's often safest to go through reputable agencies.

Utilities and Building Charges

Utilities are usually not included in the base rent for long-term rentals, especially unfurnished apartments. You'll need to budget separately for electricity, gas (if applicable), internet, and other essentials.

For long-term leases, tenants are responsible for setting up and paying their own utility accounts directly with providers. In a two-bedroom apartment, basic utilities typically range from €100 to €200 per month, depending on usage. If the apartment has electric heating or air conditioning, it can significantly increase costs.

In contrast, mid- to short-term rentals often include some utilities in the rent for convenience. In these cases, the landlord may keep the electricity and internet contracts in their name and bundle those costs into the rent or as part of an additional "charges" line item. Always read the lease carefully to see which utilities, if any, are included.

Beyond utilities, most buildings charge shared building fees (charges de copropriété) for maintenance of common areas, elevators, cold water, and sometimes central heating or concierge services. These building charges (charges locatives) are often either included in your rent or listed separately. For example, if a listing says €2,200 + €200 charges, your total monthly payment is €2,400, with €200 covering shared building services.

Lastly, if the internet isn't included, plan to arrange it separately — a typical internet subscription in Paris costs around €30 per month.

Renter's Insurance

Tenant insurance (assurance habitation) is mandatory in France for all renters.
Also known as home insurance, this policy covers tenants for common rental risks such as fire, water damage, burglary, and even damage caused to neighbors (like a leak affecting the apartment below). Home insurance in France is relatively affordable — basic coverage for a two-bedroom apartment typically costs around €30 per month. However, if you choose supplementary coverage (e.g., higher protection for valuables, accidents, or legal assistance), the premium will increase accordingly. It's important to review the coverage options and select what fits your situation.

Once you've subscribed to a policy, you'll need to provide proof of your home insurance to your landlord (or their property manager) before moving in — without it, landlords will often refuse to hand over the keys. Additionally, you're required to renew the policy annually and provide the updated certificate to the owner each year.

📝Note: If you're renting a furnished apartment, the owner's insurance (PNO / non-occupant insurance) typically covers the physical property and their furnishings. However, you are still responsible for taking out liability insurance to cover your personal belongings and any damage you might cause to the property or neighbors.

Furniture and Appliances

This applies if you choose an unfurnished apartment. As mentioned, you may need to buy everything from beds, mattresses, a sofa, light fixtures, a fridge, etc. Big-box stores, like IKEA and Conforama, can help keep these costs reasonable, but it's a significant upfront expense to furnish a two-bedroom from scratch. You might budget a few thousand euros to fully equip an empty apartment (though you can save by buying second-hand from sites like Leboncoin). For furnished apartments, everything should be provided – you shouldn't have to spend on furniture or major appliances at all.

Miscellaneous

Other potential costs to budget for include lease guarantor services, especially if you don't have a French guarantor. Many expats use services like Garantme, which provides a valid rental guarantee recognized by most landlords. Garantme typically charges around 4.5% of the total annual rent (e.g., about €1,080 for a €2,000/month apartment).

Moving costs also vary depending on your situation. Hiring professional movers within Paris can range from €300 to €1,000+, depending on volume, distance, and floor level. If you rent a moving van and do it yourself, you might pay around €100–€200 per day. Be aware that if you're moving into a building with an elevator, some buildings require you to reserve it in advance.

On a brighter note, France has eliminated the taxe d'habitation (residence tax) for most primary residences. As of 2025, most renters no longer pay this annual tax, which helps ease overall living costs. However, if you're renting under a Code Civil lease (e.g., for a secondary residence or corporate apartment), you are still responsible for paying the taxes habitation. In Paris, the housing tax can range from approximately €500 to over €2,000 per year, depending on the property's size, location, and assessed rental value (valeur locative cadastrale). High-end or large properties in central arrondissements can reach the upper end of that range.

Paris Rent vs. New York and London: An Expat Comparison

How does the cost of living in Paris (especially rent) stack up against other global cities like New York City or London? Many expats relocating from those cities are curious if Paris will seem cheap or pricey. Here’s a quick comparison of 2-bedroom apartment rental costs:

Paris: As discussed, a two-bedroom apartment in Paris averages around €2,500 to €3,500 per month in rent. Prime locations or larger luxury units can be €3,500–€4,000+.

New York City: New York’s rent levels make Paris look modest. As of 2025, the median apartment rent in NYC is about $4,280 USD per month (approximately €3,800). And that is across all apartment sizes – in Manhattan specifically, rents are even higher. A two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan often costs $5,000+ per month (roughly €4,500+), especially in desirable areas of Manhattan or Brooklyn. In other words, New York is roughly 30-50% more expensive than Paris for comparable housing.

London: London’s rental market is closer to Paris, though still generally higher. Recent data shows the average rent in London hit about £2,700 per month in late 2024 (around €3,100). Central London two-bedroom flats often range from £2,500 to £4,000+ (£ = British Pounds) depending on the borough. So, a typical two-bed in a popular London area might be ~£3,000 (€3,450). That makes London slightly more expensive than Paris on average, though the gap is not as wide as New York. Some outer London areas are cheaper than Paris, but central London (Zones 1-2) is notoriously pricey.

All in all, Paris is expensive, but it is more affordable than New York and cheaper than London for equivalent apartments. Expats coming from those cities may find Paris rent prices reasonable for a capital city – you might be able to rent in a fairly central location in Paris for the cost of something much further out in NYC or London.