Paris Living on a Budget vs The Most Affluent Neighborhood

As one of the most iconic cities in the world, compared to other European cities, Paris does not come with a cheap price tag. In 2021, Paris was tied with Singapore for the second most expensive city in the world.

Although, there are wide variances in the cost of commodities and living across the different arrondissements (districts).

The first time I visited, I stayed in a relatively low-key and inexpensive neighborhood that was away from the center. I was able to keep my budget so low, that I was averaging around 30 euros a day for food. This is pretty good for Paris. In the mere 6 days, I was there,  I got to see many of the popular sights which included the Eiffel Tower at sunset, the Louvre, Versailles, as well as experienced a private photoshoot and tour around Paris. To me, Paris was a magical, distinctive city and I jumped at the next chance to return.

My second encounter with Paris, just a few months after— I lived a completely different lifestyle. I was no longer living out of a carry-on so I had more leeway to dress up to Parisien standards. My first time in Paris I stayed at a hostel and absolutely despised it. My second time I stayed in a beautiful flat that occupied the entire floor of a building— in the 16th arrondissement, also known to be the most expensive district in Paris.

I absolutely enjoyed and loved both trips but there were some major differences. Here I share them all, and you might find yourself surprised. 

Living Experience: Winner Trip #2

This should be a no-brainer, but obviously, I was far more comfortable with where I stayed the second trip. I felt incredibly lucky, and I owe it all to a dear friend for inviting me to stay at such an unforgettable apartment. Our bedroom was close to the size of my living room at home, with a plush queen bed, high ceilings, unused fireplace, and a classic Parisien view outside the balcony. I won’t go far into details about the home itself, but needless to say, I was a satisfied puppy. In fact, we were so comfortable, we barely left the apartment for two weeks!

Although, I do owe it to the first trip for letting me discover that hostels were never going to be an option anymore. I know people have great experiences meeting people at hostels; but I need proper rest after a long day of exploring the city, not just somewhere to put my head down to be woken up by noises and odd smells.

In terms of my personal safety, I also felt a lot safer in the 16th district since we barely stepped on the metro, and the streets were relatively uncrowded and clean, with the exception of Champ D’Elysee. The 12th district which was where I was staying on my first trip was definitely rougher around the edges, and I had to take the metro to go anywhere.

Learning and Exploration: Winner Trip #1

I saw a fair amount more of Paris on trip #1, considering it was my first time there. That means I experienced many different outings and spent quality time with different people. On my second day, I met an amazing photographer that took photos for various fashion shows around the world, as well as brands like Dior. We spent six hours together on a whim and I had an absolute blast, getting to see the city from a local’s perspective. I took iconic photos by the Ritz Carlton in Place Vendome, by Palais du Tokyo, in the middle of the road adjacent to the Eiffel, and the gardens of Palais Royale.

I took a day trip to Versailles which blew my mind with the grandiosity and extravagance of the palace and took a long stroll through the gardens, and entire premise. It was a day full of joy.

Paris took my breath away, especially at night walking through the streets and seeing different monuments around every corner, whether it was the Notre Dame, or a lavish government building. 

I watched the sunset by the Seine river and explored le Marais with a friend that lived there. She took me to the world-famous Falafel place in the Jewish quarter. 

With no one to really guide me, I had to learn how to depend on myself. I didn’t have internet data in France, thus if I ever needed to find somewhere I had to rely on my own wits and sometimes this took going into multiple stores attempting to ask for directions with my broken French. At times it was really tough and isolating, but I also felt like I built a sort of mental toughness because of it. I remember a distinct moment, being alone on the top of the Eiffel Tower, with a flute of Moet & Chandon in my hand, watching the sun set over the city. I was in pure awe of how I made it here all on my own, and that this was indeed a reality. My dream of solo traveling throughout Europe had finally been actualized after years of thinking about it.

As I mentioned before, because we were so comfortable in Trip #2 in our cozy 16th apartment, we didn’t feel the necessity to always be doing something. We took our time, slept in, enjoyed a beautiful breakfast spread, and took walks throughout the day, as the Eiffel Tower, bridges, Champ d’Elysse were all within a 5-minute walk. We sat by cafes when we got tired and sipped on 7 euro cappuccinos and drank wine as much as we could. All in all, this was a beautiful and relaxing vacation that we both needed.

Dining Experience: Winner Trip #1

Disregarding the meals we had at home because those were amazing— comparing the food I ate living in a less expensive district to a more expensive one, I think I actually preferred eating on a budget. I found eating in the 16th district to be ridiculously expensive and not worth it. Same service, but higher prices. I also found the service to be more pretentious around the 16th than anywhere else.

I had lunch at one of the most iconic cafes in Paris, Cafe de Fleurs on my second trip and it was really not up to par.

All in all, the relatively inexpensive meals I had on my first trip, at more low-key and local restaurants were better. Breakfast would cost me at most 2 euros, for a fresh and delectable croissant and a coffee. Dinner would range between 15-20 euros for a decent, traditional French meal.

My tip, if you want a really enjoyable eating experience in Paris, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. However, if you want a top-notch dining experience, be prepared to come with some coin.

Nightlife: Winner Trip #2

This is an easy one, I didn’t get to experience the nightlife at all on my first trip for safety concerns. Paris is a city that literally doesn’t sleep, so it was kind of disappointing I didn’t get to experience it at all.

On the second trip we made it our personal mission to party the hell out of Paris. We took on le Marais on Christmas, met new friends for the night at le Labo, and went to a crazy crowded gay club with shower shows (yes, it’s exactly as it sounds).

Needless to say, we had a blast, except we both ended up with Omicron. Oops #worthit.

Paris has a bustling night scene, although it will cost you a bit around le Marais— I think it’s worth experiencing the culture around partying and socializing while you’re there. They have all types of unique spots catered to every (ahem) kind of audience.

Conclusion: Tie

I can’t choose between my two trips— I think I gained valuable insights from both which makes it hard to decide on a winner. They were so different from one another, that the only thing remains the same— the beauty and allure of Paris. I’m incredibly lucky that I got to experience such different lifestyles in such a short span of time. My only final words are that I think Paris will always be one of those timeless places I will return to from time to time, in different periods of my life. There’s always something new to discover in Paris; a whole world of art, history, gastronomy, fashion, and architecture. But for now, I’ll stick to the kinder price tags in other neighboring countries, and at home.