Your Expat Community in Paris

Expats in Paris often choose neighborhoods that offer good transport links, a high quality of life, and access to international amenities. The 7th and 16th arrondissements are popular due to their quiet, residential atmosphere and proximity to international schools. The 5th and 6th arrondissements are renowned for their charm, central location, and cultural attractions.

The 3rd and 4th arrondissements, which comprise the vibrant Marais district, are also popular with expats, especially professionals and creatives, thanks to their lively atmosphere, historic architecture and walkability.

Those seeking a more bohemian or affordable area often look to the 10th, 11th or 18th arrondissements. Families seeking more space may prefer to live in suburban areas such as Boulogne-Billancourt, which is located just outside the city.

Paris is generally safe, though expats report lower-than-average feelings of personal safety. Expats even ranked Paris 47th out of 53 cities for personal safety in our survey.

Most concerns relate to petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, especially in tourist areas and on public transport. Violent crime is rare. With basic precautions — staying alert, avoiding late-night travel alone, and keeping valuables secure — Paris is a safe and livable city for most expats.

While expats enjoy Paris’s exceptional culture, cuisine, and healthcare, on the flipside there’s administrative strain, a tight housing market, and the language barrier.

That said, whether Paris is a good fit really depends on what you’re looking for and what matters most to you. Paris ranked 43rd out of 53 cities in the Expat Insider 2024 survey not because it lacks in quality of life, but because many expats struggle with bureaucracy, finding housing, and adapting to life without strong French language skills.

If you’re prepared to navigate these challenges, Paris offers an extraordinary lifestyle, rich in history, art, and global connections.

Paris has an extensive and efficient public transportation system that makes getting around the city easy without a car. The metro is the most used option, with 16 lines and over 300 stations covering nearly every part of the city.

For trips outside the city, the RER commuter trains connect central Paris to suburbs and major hubs. In addition to the metro and RER, Paris has a wide bus network, trams in outer districts, and an increasing number of bike lanes. The Vélib’ bike-sharing system is a popular choice for both short commutes and sightseeing, with thousands of bikes and stations across the city. All public transport options are integrated under the RATP network, so tickets are valid across metro, bus, tram, and some RER zones.

Walking is another excellent way to explore central Paris, thanks to its compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets. Taxis are available but relatively expensive; ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are widely-used alternatives.

France provides universal coverage via PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie), administered through Assurance Maladie. After three months of legal residence, expats can register and receive a Carte Vitale and have access to state-funded healthcare.

Most residents use a mutuelle (a private complementary insurance) to cover out-of-pocket costs like prescription co‑payments, dental, optical, and private rooms in hospitals. However, private insurance is only available to those already enrolled in the public system. Until you’re eligible for PUMA, or if you’re not an EU/EEA resident, you’ll need expat or international insurance to meet visa requirements and ensure medical coverage. Find out more about healthcare in Paris

Finding housing in Paris can be challenging. The city has a persistent housing shortage, and demand for rental properties remains high. Many of the listed apartments in the city are quite small yet still come at relatively high prices. Apartments are often listed for only a short time and typically receive multiple applications quickly. Landlords generally expect a complete application file that includes identification, proof of income, and sometimes a guarantor.

Many newcomers choose to begin with temporary accommodation while searching for a long-term rental. Working with an agency may simplify the process, although this can involve additional costs. Overall, the housing search in Paris requires time, preparation, and flexibility.

While it is possible to get by without French, it will make everyday life more complicated. Many Parisians speak at least some English, especially in tourist areas or international work environments. But outside of that, French is often expected. Tasks like setting up a bank account, visiting a doctor, or dealing with public administration are much easier with at least basic French. Although it’s not a hard and fast rule, learning French — even just a little — can greatly ease integration and help you build local connections. 

Parisian attitudes toward foreigners can sometimes seem reserved or distant. Many expats and visitors note that Parisians tend to be polite but not necessarily openly warm or approachable. Paris ranks among the five least friendly cities worldwide, with 36% of expats describing locals as unfriendly, more than double the global average. This often might be due to cultural differences rather than unkindness. Parisians tend to value privacy, efficiency, and formality in social interactions, which can be mistaken for rudeness by those unfamiliar with local customs. The good news is that Paris has a vibrant international community, making it easy to connect outside of the local social scene.

Paris is a global city with a diverse population, so there are many opportunities to meet people from around the world. A simple way to begin is to join activities based on your interests, such as language exchanges, sports clubs, cooking classes, or art workshops. These environments are often more relaxed and welcoming for meeting new people.

You can also connect casually at cafés, parks, or local events. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, are another way to find local groups and events.

But your best shortcut is InterNations — the largest expat community with over 90,000 members in Paris and 5.7 million members globally. All the members you’ll meet are in the same situation, which makes it easier to mingle and exchange tips. You can also connect with globally-minded locals. Every month, you’ll find quality events plus a wide range of interest-based groups, so you can forge international friendships and feel at home faster.

Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and many expats find the cost of living to be a significant consideration. Housing tends to be the biggest expense, especially in central arrondissements, but day-to-day costs like groceries, transport, and dining out can also add up quickly.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the average monthly expenses in Paris: