Rent Prices in France 2026: Apartments, Houses and Shared Accommodation

Average Monthly Rent by Apartment Type in France

The following table uses SeLoger's January 2026 average asking rents per square metre for apartments. Smaller apartments generally have a higher rental price per square metre than larger properties.

These are national averages per square metre, not fixed monthly prices. Actual rent depends on the property's size, city, neighbourhood, condition and rental arrangements.

Illustrative Monthly Rent Calculations

To help estimate a housing budget, the following examples multiply the national per-square-metre figures by illustrative property sizes. They are mathematical examples, not official national averages for apartments of those exact sizes.

The calculations use the relevant national average rates above. They should not be used as a prediction for a specific city, especially Paris or other high-demand locations.

Rent Prices in Major French Cities

Rental prices vary considerably across France. The following comparison uses the 2025 median monthly rents per square metre published by the French network of local rent observatories (Observatoires locaux des loyers).

These figures concern the observed private rental housing stock and are generally expressed excluding charges. They are not the same as current advertised rents.

Source: Observatoires des loyers, 2025 data. Coverage and reference periods differ by local observatory. The figures should be treated as market comparisons rather than guaranteed rental offers.

Rent Prices in Paris

Paris is one of the most expensive places to rent in France. Demand for apartments is high because of employment opportunities, universities, international companies, transport connections and cultural attractions.

The 2025 local rent observatory reports a median rent of approximately €27.30 per m² per month for private rental housing in Paris.

This means that a 40 m² apartment at the median rate would represent approximately €1,092 per month before charges. Actual advertised rents can be higher or lower depending on the property and applicable rent-control rules.

What Makes Paris Expensive?

• High demand for accommodation.
• Limited availability of rental properties in desirable districts.
• Proximity to major employers and universities.
• Excellent public transportation connections.
• Demand for furnished apartments from international workers and students.
• Competition for smaller apartments and studios.

People working in Paris may find lower rents in certain suburbs, although transport costs and commuting time should be included in the overall budget.

Useful guide: Living in Paris.

Rent Prices in Lyon

Lyon is an important French economic centre with employment opportunities in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, education, finance and professional services.

The city attracts students, international professionals and families. Rental prices depend heavily on the neighbourhood, proximity to public transport and access to the city centre.

Popular areas include:

• Presqu'île.
• Part-Dieu.
• Vieux Lyon.
• Croix-Rousse.
• Monplaisir.
• Gerland.
• Villeurbanne, just outside central Lyon.

Studapart's first-half 2026 student housing data reports an average studio rent of €676 per month and an average shared-room rent of €485 per month in Lyon.

These figures relate to student-oriented listings on that platform, not every rental property in the city.

Average Shared Room Rent by City – First Half of 2026

Average Studio Rent by City – First Half of 2026

Source: Studapart, first-half 2026 barometer, published July 2026. These are averages from student-oriented furnished listings on the platform. They should not be interpreted as official averages for the entire rental market.

Average House Rent in France

Renting a house in France can be attractive for families, people working remotely and residents who prefer more space.

House rents vary according to the size of the property, garden, location, energy performance, condition and distance from employment centres.

SeLoger's January 2026 national rental barometer reported the following average prices per square metre for houses:

SeLoger also reported national average monthly rents of approximately €985 for furnished houses and €902 for unfurnished houses.

These figures are national estimates. A large family house near Paris, Nice or the French Riviera can cost considerably more than a comparable property in a smaller inland town.

Cheapest Places to Rent in France

People looking for affordable accommodation should consider smaller cities and towns rather than focusing only on Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux or Nice.

The 2025 local rent observatory data identifies several relatively affordable markets.

Source: Observatoires des loyers, 2025. Some entries refer to wider communities or metropolitan areas rather than the central municipality alone.

Lower rent does not automatically mean a better financial situation. Before choosing a cheaper town, compare employment opportunities, salaries, transport costs, access to healthcare and the availability of services.

Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments in France

One important decision when renting in France is whether to choose a furnished or unfurnished property.

Furnished Apartments (Location Meublée)

Furnished accommodation is useful for international workers, students and people who do not want to purchase furniture immediately after moving.

A legally furnished main-residence rental must contain the minimum furniture and equipment required by French regulations.

Advantages include:

• Ready-to-use accommodation.
• Less initial spending on furniture.
• Suitable for temporary or professional relocation.
• Often useful for students and international residents.

However, furnished apartments generally have higher rents per square metre than comparable unfurnished properties.

Unfurnished Apartments (Location Vide)

Unfurnished properties are often suitable for people planning to stay in France for several years.

Advantages include:

• Often lower monthly rent per square metre.
• More freedom to choose furniture and decoration.
• Generally longer standard lease periods for a principal residence.
• Suitable for families and long-term residents.

The disadvantage is that tenants need to purchase or transport their own furniture and equipment.

Understanding Rental Charges in France

When comparing French rental properties, it is important to understand whether the advertised rent includes charges.

French listings commonly distinguish between:

• Loyer hors charges: Rent excluding recoverable rental charges.
• Charges comprises: Rent including the stated rental charges.
• Provision sur charges: An advance payment toward charges, which may be adjusted later.

Depending on the property, charges may include items such as:

• Building maintenance and cleaning.
• Maintenance of shared areas.
• Water in certain buildings.
• Shared heating where applicable.
• Elevator maintenance.
• Waste-related charges recoverable from tenants.

Electricity, gas, internet and home insurance may be billed separately.

Always ask the landlord or agency for a clear breakdown of the monthly charges before signing the contract.

French Rental Rules: What Tenants Should Know

France has specific rules governing residential rental contracts, deposits, notice periods, rent increases and tenant protections.

1. Rental Deposit (Dépôt de Garantie)

For a standard principal-residence rental, the legal deposit limits are generally:

• Unfurnished accommodation: Maximum one month's rent excluding charges.
• Furnished accommodation: Maximum two months' rent excluding charges.

The deposit is normally paid when the rental contract is signed. It is intended to cover certain unpaid amounts or damage beyond normal wear and tear, subject to the applicable rules.

Official information: Service-Public – Rental Security Deposit.

2. Rental Contract Duration

For a standard principal-residence lease, the usual minimum contract periods are:

• Unfurnished rental: Three years when the landlord is an individual, subject to legal exceptions.
• Furnished rental: One year in the standard case.
• Student furnished lease: Nine months in the specific student arrangement.
• Bail mobilité: A special furnished rental contract lasting between one and ten months for eligible tenants and circumstances.

The applicable rules depend on the type of accommodation and contract.

3. Tenant Notice Period

The standard tenant notice periods are generally:

• Unfurnished rental: Three months in the standard case.
• Unfurnished rental in a zone tendue: Often one month, where the legal conditions are met.
• Furnished principal residence: One month.

Special circumstances can also affect the notice period. Tenants should verify the applicable rules before sending notice.

4. Rent Control (Encadrement des Loyers)

Some French cities and municipalities apply rent-control arrangements.

In certain areas, a reference-rent system establishes:

• Loyer de référence: Reference rent.
• Loyer de référence majoré: Increased reference rent, which generally sets the maximum base rent for covered properties.
• Loyer de référence minoré: Reduced reference rent.

The applicable amount depends on the location, number of rooms, construction period and whether the property is furnished or unfurnished.

Some properties may qualify for a legally permitted rent supplement under specific conditions.

Do not assume that every city or every rental property is subject to the same system. Check the rules for the exact address before signing.

5. Tenant Documents

Landlords and agencies commonly request a rental application file (dossier de location).

Documents may include:

• Identity document or residence document.
• Employment contract or proof of professional activity.
• Recent payslips or other proof of income.
• Recent tax notice, where applicable.
• Proof of current address.
• Guarantor documents, if required.

Landlords and agencies must respect the legal rules concerning which documents they can request.

6. Rental Insurance

Tenants renting a principal residence are generally required to have insurance covering rental risks, including tenant liability for fire, water damage and certain other risks.

The landlord may request proof of insurance when the lease begins and at the required intervals.

How to Find an Apartment in France

Finding accommodation can take time, especially in Paris and popular university cities. Preparing documents before contacting landlords can improve your chances.

Popular Rental Websites in France

• SeLoger – Rental listings, apartments and houses.
• Leboncoin – Private rental advertisements and property listings.
• PAP – Property listings directly between individuals.
• Bien'ici – Property search and rental advertisements.
• Logic-Immo – Residential rental listings.
• Jinka – Rental listing search and alerts.
• Studapart – Student accommodation and shared housing.
• La Carte des Colocs – Shared apartments and rooms.

Tips for Finding Affordable Rent in France

• Look beyond the city centre: Neighbourhoods outside central districts can offer lower rents.
• Compare nearby municipalities: Living outside a major city may reduce accommodation costs while keeping access to employment.
• Consider shared accommodation: A colocation can be considerably cheaper than renting an entire apartment alone.
• Compare furnished and unfurnished properties: Furnished accommodation can cost more, but may reduce initial expenses.
• Prepare your rental file: Have identity documents, income evidence and employment information ready.
• Check transport connections: A cheaper apartment may involve higher commuting expenses.
• Understand rental charges: Check whether heating, water and building costs are included.
• Check energy performance: A property with poor insulation can result in higher heating expenses.
• Research rent controls: Check whether the property is covered by local rent-control rules.
• Be careful with scams: Do not transfer money before verifying the property, landlord and rental arrangements.

Additional Costs When Renting in France

The monthly rent is not the only expense involved in renting a property. Tenants should also budget for the following costs.

Renting in France as a Foreigner

Foreign nationals can rent residential property in France. However, newcomers may find it more difficult to secure accommodation if they do not yet have French payslips, employment history or a guarantor.

Some practical steps can help:

• Prepare your passport or accepted identity document.
• Provide your employment contract or proof of income.
• Prepare documents showing your financial resources.
• Consider a suitable guarantor if requested.
• Check whether you qualify for a rental guarantee scheme.
• Arrange home insurance before moving in.
• Make sure you understand the lease before signing.

The French government-backed Visale scheme may provide a rental guarantee for eligible tenants and qualifying rental arrangements.

Official website: Visale.

Useful guides:

• How to Find an Apartment in France

Rent Prices in France Compared With Other Countries

People relocating to France often compare rental prices with neighbouring European countries.

However, comparisons should take into account differences in average property size, local salaries, utilities, taxes, transport and rental regulations.

Related Guides: Housing and Cost of Living in France

Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in France

What is the average rent in France in 2026?

SeLoger's January 2026 barometer estimates an average rental price of approximately €14 per m² per month across France. The actual amount depends on the city, property type, furnishing and size.

How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost in France?

There is no single national price. A one-bedroom apartment in Paris can cost considerably more than a similar property in a smaller regional city. Compare local rental listings and per-square-metre data before deciding on a budget.

How much is rent in Paris?

The 2025 Paris local rent observatory reports a median rent of approximately €27.30 per m² per month. Actual advertised rents vary by district, property size, furnishing and applicable rent-control rules.

Which French city has the cheapest rent?

There is no single answer because prices differ between municipalities and property types. The 2025 local rent observatory data shows relatively low median rents in areas such as Mellois en Poitou, Haut de Sèvres, Bocage Bressuirais, Vitré, Châteauroux and Montbéliard.

Is Lyon cheaper than Paris?

Generally, yes. Paris is considerably more expensive than Lyon for many types of accommodation. However, rents in Lyon still vary substantially according to neighbourhood and property characteristics.

How much does a student room cost in France?

Studapart's first-half 2026 barometer reports an average shared-room rent of €577 per month across its analysed locations. The price varies by city, with Paris substantially more expensive than many regional student cities.

Is furnished accommodation more expensive in France?

Furnished accommodation generally has a higher rent per square metre than comparable unfurnished accommodation. However, it can reduce the initial expense of purchasing furniture and household equipment.

How much deposit do I need to rent an apartment in France?

For a standard principal-residence lease, the deposit is generally limited to one month's rent excluding charges for unfurnished accommodation and two months' rent excluding charges for furnished accommodation.

Can a foreigner rent an apartment in France?

Yes. Foreigners can rent property in France. Landlords commonly request identification, proof of income, employment documents and sometimes a guarantor. New arrivals should prepare their rental application documents in advance.

Are rental prices controlled in France?

Some French cities and municipalities apply rent-control systems. In covered locations, the maximum permitted base rent can depend on the property's location, size, construction period and furnishing status.

Are utilities included in French rent?

Not necessarily. Some rental advertisements include certain building charges, while electricity, gas, internet and other services may be billed separately. Always check the lease and the breakdown of charges.

Is it better to rent furnished or unfurnished accommodation?

Furnished accommodation is convenient for students and people relocating temporarily. Unfurnished accommodation can be more suitable for families and long-term residents who already own furniture.

How can I find an apartment in France?

Popular rental websites include SeLoger, Leboncoin, PAP, Bien'ici, Logic-Immo and Jinka. Students can also use specialized accommodation platforms such as Studapart.

Conclusion: How Much Should You Budget for Rent in France?

Sources and Official Rental Information

The following resources can help you check rental prices, understand French housing regulations and search for accommodation.

• Observatoires des Loyers – Local Rent Statistics
• ANIL – National Housing Information Agency
• Service-Public – Housing and Rental Information
• SeLoger – Rental Market Listings and Price Estimates
• Studapart – Student Rental Price Barometer
• Visale – Rental Guarantee Scheme
• CAF – Housing Assistance Information