I don’t know about you, but lately it seems like everyone is talking about money: needing more of it, spending too much of it, or worrying about where the next paycheck will come from. In my own circle, I know people who’ve been laid off, seen retirement accounts shrink, or—like me—are juggling multiple freelance gigs to pay the bills.
Half of my income comes from tourism. I lead food & wine tours in Paris, mostly for American visitors, and I’ve noticed a subtle shift: June, typically a booming month, feels a bit slower with fewer fully booked tours and smaller tips. Maybe Americans are tamping down on their European travel plans, or if they are still coming, maybe they’re skipping the “extras.” Whatever the reason, I’m tightening up.
The good news?
Paris is actually a great place to live frugally without feeling like you’re missing out. A croissant here can cost just €1.20, and an espresso €1.50. You can enjoy a very delicious lunch out for €22. And, even on a shoestring, you can live fully.
I’ve always been frugal; my ex-spouse used to regularly call me a radine (French for cheapskate), but I’ve never felt deprived. I still splurge now and then on ballet classes, Pilates at a very posh studio in the Marais, and spontaneous glasses of champagne. For me, frugality is more about choosing what matters. Here’s how I do it in Paris:
1. Take the Metro or Bus
At €1.99 a ride with my Navigo Liberté+ card, public transit in Paris is a bargain. I rarely use Ubers or taxis (last time was to take my cat to a specialist an hour outside town). Even to and from the airport, I take the RER commuter rail. You see the city, save money, and skip getting stuck in traffic.
2. Buy the Store Brand at Monoprix
Monoprix is basically the French Target, and I almost always go for their store-brand items, which are the same quality and often half the price. Yogurt, pasta, laundry detergent... store brand toujours (always).
3. Simplify Your Beauty Routine
No manicures, rare pedicures, and a bob haircut that only needs trimming twice a year. I had an Audrey Tautou–style pixie cut I loved last year, but the upkeep was too costly and time-consuming. Simple = savings.
4. Buy Secondhand When Possible
From clothes and appliances to furniture, I buy used when I can. My fridge and microwave-oven combo were secondhand from Murfy. My desk came from Selency, a French resale site I love. Exceptions: socks, underwear, and shoes (for obvious reasons).
5. Repurpose What You Have
I’ve turned an old anchovy tin into a soap dish. Shopping bags become trash liners. A jam jar becomes a pencil holder. In Paris apartments where space is limited, creative reuse isn’t thrifty; it’s sometimes necessary.
6. Limit Restaurant Meals
It’s tempting to eat out often in Paris, but I mostly cook at home. When I do treat myself, it’s usually for a sandwich at a boulangerie or a scoop of ice cream. Restaurant dinners are reserved for special occasions or when I have friends visiting from out of town.
7. Use Every Last Drop
I cut open tubes of lotion and toothpaste to get every last bit. It sounds obsessive, but that extra week of use adds up, especially when some French products can be a bit pricey.
8. Repair, Don’t Replace
Cobbler shops and tailors are easy to find in Paris. I resole boots, re-stitch torn seams, and re-zip jackets. It’s usually much cheaper than buying new.
9. Ditch Unnecessary Subscriptions
No Spotify, no Netflix, no Amazon Prime. I make a few exceptions for work tools (Dropbox, Microsoft Office), but otherwise, I strive to avoid monthly charges—especially to companies I don’t love supporting.
10. Remind Yourself: You Have Enough
Living in Paris means temptation is everywhere, but when I slow down and really look at my life, I realize that I have a cozy apartment I adore, books to read, delicious bread, and clothes I like. What more do I need?
Living frugally in Paris isn’t so much about sacrifice as it is about choosing intentionally and appreciating the abundance already around you. If you’re feeling any sort of financial pinch, I hope these tips offer a bit of relief, and maybe even some inspiration, too.
À bientôt,
Victorine
Introducing Contributor, Victorine Lamothe:
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Great list Victorine. Thanks for sharing.
I've often felt I would go broke if I lived in Paris -- there is so much temptation!
This solid advice from @Victorine Lamothe can actually be applied to living all over France, although not everywhere will have the great public transportation options that Paris has.