Is France expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
France is moderately expensive, in line with Western Europe: Paris and the Riviera are among the costliest places on the continent, while Lyon, Provence towns and the countryside are more reasonable. A mid-range trip averages about €225 per person per day, with hotels, restaurants and fast trains taking most of it.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €50 | €100 | €220 |
| Food & drink | €30 | €60 | €120 |
| Sights & tickets | €15 | €30 | €60 |
| Local transport | €15 | €35 | €70 |
| Per person, per day | €110 | €225 | €470 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our France day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Espresso at the counter | about €1.50–2.50 |
| Croissant | about €1.20–1.80 |
| Glass of house wine | about €5–8 |
| Paris metro ticket | about €2.50 |
| Louvre ticket | about €22 (more for non-EU visitors from 2026) |
| Eiffel Tower summit by lift | about €35–36 |
| Bistro set menu | about €25–40 |
| TGV Paris–Lyon | about €30–100 |
| Mid-range double room, Paris centre | about €170–280 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the largest cost, especially in Paris and Nice, where central doubles easily exceed €200, and every town adds a taxe de séjour per person per night. Eating out is the second: a bistro menu is €25–40 in Paris, a little less in the provinces. Museum and monument tickets of €15–35 add up quickly in Paris, and TGV fares vary widely with how early you book. Supermarkets, bakeries, markets and lunch menus are good value, and many churches, parks and views are free.
When it is cheaper
November to March (outside Christmas, school holidays and the ski resorts) is cheapest, with Paris and Riviera hotels often 20–40% below summer rates. Paris is also relatively cheaper in August, when business travel stops, though some restaurants close.
How to spend less
- Book TGV and Ouigo trains as early as possible; prices rise sharply close to departure.
- Eat the lunch formule (set lunch) rather than à la carte dinners; it is often half the price.
- Use free days: many Paris museums are free on the first Sunday of certain months, and EU residents under 26 enter many national museums free.
- Ask for a carafe d'eau (free tap water) instead of bottled water.
- Stay in the 11th arrondissement in Paris or near stations in Nice and Lyon.
- Buy picnic food at markets and bakeries; it is a French tradition, not a compromise.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
How much does a day in France cost?
About €110 per person on a budget, €225 mid-range and €470 for comfort, sharing a double and including trains. Paris and the Riviera cost more than the rest of the country.
Is Paris more expensive than the rest of France?
Yes, especially hotels. Lyon, Provence towns and the countryside are noticeably cheaper.
How much are train tickets in France?
TGV Paris–Lyon costs about €30–100 depending on how early you book; Ouigo low-cost trains are cheaper.