Why I made the move to Paris from NYC (And What I Wish I Knew Before I Did)
Fact Checked by: After years of daydreaming about flaky pastries, old-world architecture, and a slower pace of life, I finally made the move — from the hustle of NYC to the charm of Paris. It wasn’t a spontaneous decision, but once I committed, things moved fast.
I swapped my tiny Brooklyn apartment for a tiny Parisian one (with much better windows), and suddenly found myself navigating life in a new language, culture, and time zone.
If you’re thinking about making a similar leap, here’s everything I learned along the way.
Main takeaways
- The cost to move to Paris from NYC can range anywhere from $3,000–$10,000, depending on how you do it.
- Apartments in Paris are smaller (yes, even compared to NYC), but often cheaper outside the tourist zones.
- Be ready for bureaucracy — visas, bank accounts, and even phone plans can take time.
- Learning French isn’t optional… it’s essential for daily life (and making local friends).
Keep reading for the highs, lows, and culture shocks of moving from NYC to Paris, plus tips I wish someone had told me before I landed at Charles de Gaulle with three suitcases and no clue.
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Cost of moving to Paris from NYC
Before I packed my bags, I had to figure out how much this adventure was going to cost me. Moving internationally isn’t cheap, but knowing your options helps.
The two primary ways to move your belongings are sea freight and air freight.
- Sea freight: The more affordable but slower option. Shipping a 20-foot container takes four to six weeks.
- Air freight: The faster but more expensive choice. You’ll get your things in a few days to a week.
Sea freight costs from NYC to Paris
Sea freight with an international van line was my choice because I had time on my side and didn’t want to spend a fortune. Just for the actual move, it cost me around $4,200 to ship the full contents of my studio apartment.
The downside? You’ll be living out of a suitcase for a while. I got my stuff after one month but it can take up to eight weeks depending on where you’re moving from and what time of year you are relocating.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC | Paris | $3,00–$5,500 | 4-6 weeks |
| Chicago | Paris | $3,500–$6,000 | 4-8 weeks |
*Cost for a 20-foot container.
Air freight costs from NYC to Paris
If you need your belongings ASAP, air freight is the way to go, but expect a hefty bill.
The table I included below might actually make air freight look more affordable at first glance. Just keep in mind that the shipment size is way smaller.
A 20-foot sea freight container can easily hold 5,000–6,000 pounds, the average total weight of the contents of a two-bedroom apartment. Air freight has much lower weight caps. The table below shows costs for a 220-pound shipment, which isn’t even close to everything in a studio apartment. A studio apartment typically contains about 2,000 pounds of stuff.
So, what does all this mean? Basically, air freight could actually be more cost-effective (and definitely faster) if you’re taking a bare-bones approach to your move from NYC to Paris — only bringing the necessities and leaving your furniture behind. Otherwise, you’re better off with sea freight.
| From | To | Cost | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC | Paris | $5,000–$10,000 | 3–7 days |
| LA | Paris | $6,000–$12,000 | 5–10 days |
How much does it cost to live in Paris?
Paris isn’t cheap, but compared to NYC, my wallet is much happier at the end of the month. Rent is significantly lower, but utilities and groceries are pretty comparable.
The cost of housing in Paris
I opted for a one-bedroom in Le Marais for about $1,800 a month. The process? Grueling. Landlords love paperwork, and you’ll need a Garant (a French citizen to co-sign) unless you prove solid financial stability.
I definitely am saving big on rent (I’m talking big like over $2,000 a month!) but here’s a comparison based on average rents for Paris and NYC.
FYI, I got these figures from Numbeo, which is a great tool for comparing living expenses in the US vs. living abroad.
| Apartment | NYC | Paris | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $3,866 | $1,551 | –59.9% |
| 3BR rental | $8,388 | $3,331 | –60.3% |
| Price per sq. ft. (purchase) | $1,668 | $1,260 | –24.5% |
I like Le Marais because it’s downtown chic, with lots of historic architecture and plenty of art galleries, hip little boutiques, and trendy bars and restaurants.
But Paris is filled with lots of great neighborhoods. Here are some of the best I’ve seen:
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Classic, historic, great for writers & artists
- Montmartre: Bohemian charm with amazing views
- Bastille: More affordable, vibrant nightlife
- Boulogne-Billancourt: Quiet, family-friendly
What utilities will cost you in Paris
The cost of electricity and water is actually a little more in Paris than NYC, but you’ll pay a lot less for stuff like cell phone plans and internet service.
| Utility | NYC | Paris | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic housing utilities | $190.58 | $248.74 | +30.5% |
| Internet | $63.29 | $35.20 | –44.4% |
| Cell phone plan | $64.10 | $16.25 | –74.7% |
How much you’ll spend on food in Paris
France is known for its cuisine, so it’s good news that dining out is much less expensive in Paris. Groceries are generally cheaper, too, though you’ll pay a lot more for things like local cheese (it’s worth it, though… trust me!). Plus, you can afford to spend more on delicious cheeses when wine is less than half what it costs in New York.
| Food | NYC | Paris | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $12.50 | $13.18 | +5.4% |
| 3-course meal for 2 (upscale casual) | $140 | $69.74 | –50.2% |
| Cappuccino | $5.95 | $4.36 | –26.7% |
| Imported beer (12 oz. bottle) | $12 | $7.69 | –35.9% |
| Bottle of wine (mid-range) | $20 | $8.79 | –56.1% |
| Loaf of fresh white bread | $4.62 | $1.79 | –61.3% |
| Cheese (1 lb.) | $7.37 | $11 | +49.4% |
| Gallon of milk | $8.02 | $5.39 | –10.4% |
| Dozen eggs | $6.13 | $4.69 | –23.4% |
How much it costs to get around Paris
Public transport is a dream in Paris compared to NYC. The Metro is clean, efficient, and cheaper. It’s a good thing, because it costs a lot to have a car in Paris. Gas alone is more than double what it is in the Big Apple.
| Transportation Mode | NYC | Paris | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $2.90 | $2.75 | –5.3% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $132 | $96.65 | –26.8% |
| Taxi (1 mile) | $3.50 | $3.54 | +1% |
| Taxi (1 hour waiting) | $42 | $52.72 | +25.5% |
| 0ne gallon of gas | $3.73 | $7.78 | +108.7% |
| *Cost to buy a new car* | $27,985 | $35,042 | +25.2% |
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle as of March 2025
Education costs in Paris
Full disclosure: I’m single and have no children, so the cost of education didn’t factor at all into my move. However, I know that many people considering an international move are looking for the top countries for families, so I have included the impressive savings on preschool and private elementary schools in Paris.
| Type of Education | Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | International primary school (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| NYC | $3,164 | $56,857 |
| Paris | $781 | $17,023 |
| % Difference | –75.3% | –70.1% |
Paris visa & immigration requirements
Since I wanted to stay long-term, I had to navigate France’s visa system. It can take a few months to get a residence permit (aka VLS-TS visa), which will allow you to live and work in Paris for a year.
Once your year is up, you’re eligible for a longer residency visa.
These are the main types of French residence permits:
- Student: Good for as long as it takes to complete your studies
- Work: If you have a job lined up in France, your employer will act as your sponsor for this visa. You’ll need some documentation, like proof of housing, financial means, and health insurance.
- Family reunification: Only for people who have a spouse, parent, or child who is already a legal French resident living in the country
- Talent Passport: Targets foreign workers in highly sought-after professions. You’ll have to prove you can make some major contribution to France in terms of economics, culture, or innovation.
Moving to Paris from the US
- Hire an international moving company.
- Find housing before arriving.
- Set up a French bank account.
- Get health insurance (mandatory for most visa approvals).
Top international moving companies
Hiring a reputable and experienced international mover can make your overseas relocation a lot easier, since you have extra stuff to deal with — like customs clearance and shipment tracking.
Here are some great international moving companies to check out:
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Shipping your car to Paris
Cars are expensive to import to — and operate in — France. Unless you have a vintage classic you can’t part with, public transport and biking is the way to go in Paris.
If you must bring your car, expect to pay $1,500–$5,000 for shipping.
Here are some top car shipping companies to consider:
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My tips for moving to Paris from NYC
- Downsize before moving. (Here is some good advice on how to declutter for a move.)
- Learn basic French. Knowing even a little bit of the language will help you immensely as you learn your way around Paris. And it can help endear Parisians to you!
- Budget for visa fees and initial costs. It’ll cost you around $100–$150 for a residency permit (a lot more if you’re a student). But you’ll also want to come with enough saved up to handle housing rental startup expenses, like a deposit and utilities setup. I wish I had stockpiled about six months’ worth of living expenses beforehand, but even having about three months in your savings account will help you adjust and account for anything unexpected.
- Prepare yourself for a little culture shock. If you’ve spent any time in NYC, you know how loud it can get. I’ve noticed that Parisians are generally more soft-spoken (out of politeness, I think). You won’t hear people having loud conversations with a friend or on the phone. You also don’t see many laptops in cafes or restaurants, since French people really value cuisine and savor their food. People are friendly and personable, but typically a little more formal.
FAQ
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