In 2026, housing in France costs an average of between €560 and €1,100 per month for a studio apartment with all utilities included, depending on the location. In major cities like Paris or Lyon, the monthly cost often exceeds €1,000. Conversely, some more affordable college towns allow residents to find housing for under €600.  

According to the UNEF, the cost of living has risen by 4.12% since 2025, putting even more pressure on young renters. Fortunately, benefits paid by the CAF (APL or ALS) can reduce the actual cost to between €300 and €700 per month, depending on your profile and the city.

In this guide, you will learn:

how much housing actually costs in 2026;

how CAF benefits help lower your monthly bill;

which expenses are often overlooked;

and how to optimize your situation based on your profile.

 

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