The Cost of Renting an Apartment in Paris in 2025

Paris has long been a dream destination for many expats. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture attract people from all over the world. However, living in Paris comes at a cost, and one of the biggest expenses is rent. This report explores the current rental market in Paris in 2025, examining all costs related to renting an apartment in Paris, the factors that influence rental prices, and providing insights into what you can expect to pay for an apartment in 2025.

Overview of the Paris Rental Market in 2025

If you're thinking about renting an apartment in Paris, be prepared for a competitive market where demand far outweighs supply. Renting in the French capital has never been cheap, and 2025 is no exception.

The average rent across France in 2025 sits at around €723 per month, including utilities — a 3.3% increase compared to 2024. But before you breathe a sigh of relief, keep in mind this is a national average. Paris, with its iconic charm and global appeal, is a different story entirely. In some of Paris' most desirable neighborhoods, monthly rents can exceed €40 per square meter. That means even a modest 30-square-meter studio could cost well over €1,200 per month.

To put it in perspective, the average rent-to-income ratio in Paris now exceeds 36%, meaning a significant portion of residents' income goes directly toward housing. This is notably higher than in many other European capitals — around 30% in Brussels and generally below 30% in Vienna — highlighting just how challenging and expensive it can be to secure a home in Paris.

Why is Renting in Paris So Expensive? Factors Driving Rental Costs

If you’ve ever browsed listings for apartments in Paris, you probably noticed — rents are sky-high. But why exactly is renting in Paris so expensive? It all comes down to a mix of factors that make Paris one of the most competitive rental markets in the world. Here are some of the factors that drive rental costs in Paris:

1. High Demand — Everyone Wants a Piece of Paris

Paris isn’t just a tourist hotspot — it’s a global city that draws professionals, students, creatives, and expats from all over the world. Paris accounts for 10.7% of all rental searches nationwide. Whether people are moving here for work, school, or the sheer magic of living in Paris, the constant influx of new residents keeps demand for rentals incredibly high.

2. Limited Supply — Space Is Scarce

Paris is a historic city with limited land for new construction, especially in the central arrondissements. Strict building regulations, bans on low energy efficiency performance properties, rent control, and rules limiting residential apartment conversion into short-term rentals further reduce the available housing supply. The number of available rental listings has fallen by nearly 60% over the past five years. In short, there just aren’t enough apartments for everyone.

3. Everyone Wants to Live in a Beautiful City

With its stunning architecture, world-class museums, cozy cafés, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s no wonder Paris remains one of the most desirable places to live. That desirability pushes prices even higher, particularly in the most charming and well-located neighborhoods.

4. Economic Pressures — Interest Rates and the Shift to Renting

Interest rates for mortgages in France rose from about 1% in 2022 to over 4% in early 2024 before stabilizing to around 3% by the end of 2024. The rising interest rates have made buying property out of reach for many would-be homeowners, which means more people are choosing to rent instead. This increased demand only adds more pressure to an already competitive rental market.

Average Rent in Paris and What You Can Expect to Pay 

When it comes to renting in Paris, looking at the national average rent only tells part of the story. To get a clearer picture of what you’ll actually pay, you need to dig into the specific arrondissements and types of properties — because prices can vary a lot depending on where and what you’re renting.

If you’re thinking about renting a furnished apartment in Paris, expect to pay even more. Furnished places come at a premium because they offer extra convenience — ideal for expats, international students, and business travelers who want to move in without the hassle of buying furniture and electrical appliances.

According to Se Loger, here’s a breakdown of average rents in Paris for furnished apartments in 2025:

So, let’s say you’re looking for a 25-square-meter furnished studio in Paris — you’d need to budget at least €1,007 per month. Looking for something larger? A one-bedroom apartment of around 40 square meters will cost at least €1,400 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment of about 70 square meters would average roughly €2,366 per month.

Keep in mind, though, that these are citywide averages. If you’re hoping to rent in prestigious central neighborhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter, or near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th or 16th arrondissements, you can expect to pay 25% to 40% more than these average prices — especially for well-renovated or character-filled apartments in historic buildings.

Average Rental Prices in Different Arrondissements

Rental prices in Paris vary significantly depending on the arrondissement. The most expensive arrondissements are typically those in the center of the city, such as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. In these areas, competition for available units is fierce.

Here’s a detailed look at average rental prices across all 20 arrondissements in Paris in 2025 and the estimated average rent for a one-bedroom furnished apartment (approximately 40 square meters) in each arrondissement:

Of course, these are just average rents, and the final price you’ll pay can vary significantly depending on factors like furnishing, outdoor space, views, and amenities can still significantly influence final prices.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to look further from the center, there are more affordable options. Arrondissements like the 18th, 19th, and 20th districts tend to offer rents under €34 per square meter per month, making them attractive choices for renters looking to balance budget and location. While they may not offer postcard-perfect views of the Eiffel Tower, these neighborhoods have their own charm, vibrant local life, and easier access to larger apartments at more reasonable prices.

Costs related to renting an apartment in Paris

When renting an apartment in Paris, there are several costs to consider beyond the monthly rent. Here's a breakdown of the expenses you can expect:

Rent

The primary cost is the monthly rent, which varies significantly based on location, size, and amenities. 

Security Deposit

Landlords typically require a security deposit, which is usually:

• One month's rent for unfurnished apartments
• Two months' rent for furnished apartments

Agency Fees

If you go through a traditional French rental agency and sign a classic lease governed by the Loi Alur, expect to pay fees that are capped by law at €12 per square meter for standard leases in Paris. However, if you sign a secondary residence lease or a company signing a Code Civil lease (often used for corporate lease or relocation rentals), these legal caps don't apply. For Code Civil leases, agency fees are typically around 10% of the annual rent.

Utilities

When you rent an apartment in Paris, most utilities are not included in the rent:

• Electricity and gas: €50-€100 per month
• Internet: €30-€50 per month
• Water: Often included in rent

Insurance

Renter's home insurance is mandatory in France and typically costs between €300-€600 per year.

Local Taxes

Tenants are responsible for paying the taxe d'habitation (housing tax) if they rent a secondary residence. The amount typically ranges from €500 to €2,000 per year, depending on the property and location.

Sometimes, as a tenant, you may also have to pay the Garbage Collection Tax (Taxe d'enlèvement des ordures ménagères). The owner usually pays this tax directly as part of their property tax (taxe foncière) and can then be reimbursed by the tenant. In most cases, it's already included in the rent. If it's not included, it's usually a small additional fee, typically around €50 to €100 per year.

Additional Costs

• Building maintenance fees (charges locatives): Sometimes included in rent, but can be an additional €100-€200 per month
• Parking: If not included, can cost €100-€200 per month in central areas

Initial Setup Costs

When renting in Paris, you can expect the following initial setup costs:

Connection fees for utilities:

• Electricity: €1.66 (incl. VAT) if your home is equipped with a Linky meter, and €30.37 (incl. VAT) if your home does not have one. The Linky meter is a smart device installed by France’s national grid operator, Enedis, allowing remote readings and helping to track your energy use more accurately, reducing administrative costs.
• Internet and phone: Setup fees range from €40 to €50.

Moving expenses:

• For a 3-bedroom house moved from the US to Paris: $8,000 – $10,700
• Local moving costs within Paris: €500-€1,500, depending on the size of the apartment and distance

Renting an apartment in Paris in 2025 isn’t easy — it’s a competitive market with high prices, especially in the central arrondissements. More affordable options exist in neighborhoods further out, but prices depend on factors like location, size, furnishing, and amenities.

The best advice? Do your research — compare neighborhoods, check listings, and know what to expect.

If you’re planning a move to Paris and need help finding the perfect place, Paris Rental is here to guide you through the rental process and help you find a home that fits your needs. With the right research (and the right help), you’ll be settling into your Paris apartment in no time.

Editor: Siyi CHEN