Pros and Cons of Moving to Paris

Although it’s easy to see why Paris is a popular expat destination, there are also drawbacks to living in this city. It’s therefore important to learn more about some of the ups and downs of expat life in the French capital before taking the plunge. Understanding the pros and cons of living in Paris will help you prepare for a successful relocation.

Below are a few pros and cons of moving to Paris.

Lifestyle in Paris

+ PRO: Amazing food scene

Parisians pride themselves on their cuisine. You’re sure to enjoy feasting on French delicacies throughout your stay. The French capital is also home to a huge number of restaurants serving international cuisine from across the world, so you won’t struggle to find options when it comes to eating out in Paris. Beyond traditional French fare, you’ll find thriving international food scenes in neighbourhoods like Le Marais, Belleville, and Chinatown.

+ PRO: There is a large expat community

Paris is a global hub, and as such, recent newcomers to the city will find many people who face similar challenges. This often provides common ground on which to build new friendships. Various expat networks and communities throughout Paris organise regular meetups and activities to help newcomers connect.

- CON: Parisians can be unfriendly

Some expats find it hard to integrate into Parisian society. Even French people from other parts of the country often say Parisians are rude and unfriendly. This reputation is somewhat subjective. Learning to speak a basic level of French is likely to be a good first step towards making friends in Paris. Making the effort to greet people with ‘Bonjour’ when entering shops or public spaces is a small but impactful cultural practice that Parisians greatly appreciate.

+ PRO: Communal spaces make it easy to socialise

Most people in Paris live in small apartments and take advantage of communal spaces such as the city’s gardens or public gyms/swimming pools. These places provide great opportunities to meet local people and strike up conversations with those with common interests.

Accommodation in Paris

+ PRO: A broad range of accommodation options

When looking for accommodation in Paris, you’ll find a variety of options. Chambres de bonne and apartments are the most prevalent choices in areas close to the centre of Paris. However, if you’re looking for larger apartments and houses, you’ll find more on offer in the suburbs.

- CON: Properties are small and expensive

Space is limited in Paris, especially in the city centre. As such, you’ll often find that properties are smaller than you’re accustomed to. It’s also eye-wateringly expensive; even the smallest chambre de bonne isn’t actually cheap.

Renting Accommodation in Paris

Working in Paris

+ PRO: An excellent work-life balance

If you’re looking for professional advancement in Paris, you won’t have to forgo having a life outside the office in order to climb the career ladder. The workweek in France is capped at 35 hours, and the minimum annual leave allowance is five weeks, which is generous in comparison to many other countries. French workplace culture strongly separates professional and personal time, with after-hours emails generally frowned upon.

+ PRO: Growing professional sectors

Paris boasts several thriving professional sectors with ample job opportunities. The tech industry is experiencing particularly strong growth, with increasing demand for professionals skilled in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Climate tech is another booming sector, with thousands of openings in renewable energy and sustainable solutions. Finance is strong as always, especially in fintech and sustainable finance, and healthcare continues to offer stable employment prospects.

- CON: The language barrier

Paris is a cosmopolitan city, and while it’s possible to find a job without speaking fluent French, you’ll certainly have an advantage if you have language skills. Speaking French will also make a difference when it comes to networking and forming solid professional relationships with colleagues. Many international companies choose Paris as their French base, creating opportunities for English-speaking professionals, especially in tech, finance, and creative industries.

Working and Finding Work in Paris

Kids, family and education in Paris

+ PRO: Great range of schooling options

When moving to Paris with children, you’ll find a range of good schooling options in the city to suit all budgets. You do have the option of sending your child to a public school at no cost, but these schools aren’t always suitable for every student.

Paris is also home to a wide range of private French and international schools, which means that you’ll have plenty of other viable options to explore. International schools offer continuity in education for expat children, often with familiar curricula and instruction in English.

+ PRO: Paris is a family-friendly city

Parents will find that the French capital has a range of attractions for them to enjoy with their children. Not only is Paris home to the world-famous Disneyland, but the city also hosts a range of theme parks, museums and various outdoor attractions. Many museums offer dedicated programmes and workshops for children, making cultural experiences accessible to all ages.

Education and Schools in Paris 
International Schools in Paris
Attractions and Activities for Kids and Family in Paris

Cost of living in Paris

- CON: The cost of living in Paris is high

Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and essentials like fuel, food and clothing don’t come cheap. Plus, rents in Paris are notoriously high. You’ll need to make sure that you negotiate a generous employment package to ensure that you can live comfortably and enjoy all that Paris has to offer.

+ PRO: A dynamic economy

Many international companies choose Paris as the location for their French operations, so there are plenty of work opportunities in the city. If you have experience in sectors such as finance, information technology, media, education and transport, you’ll find lots of scope for career progression here. Paris also attracts businesses relocating from other European cities, creating new job opportunities for skilled professionals.

Healthcare in Paris

+ PRO: Top-quality healthcare

Healthcare in Paris is exemplary – among the best in the world. If you’re covered by the public health insurance system (L’Assurance Maladie), you’ll enjoy substantial coverage of your medical costs. After living in France for three months, you’re eligible to register for this public healthcare system.

Coverage rates vary by treatment type: standard doctor visits are covered at 70 percent, while certain long-term conditions receive 100 percent coverage. Many expats choose to supplement the basic national coverage with a private health insurance plan (mutuelle) to achieve full coverage.

Getting around in Paris

+ PRO: Getting around is easy

Transport in Paris is excellent. Metro and bus networks are easy to navigate and can get you almost anywhere in the city. If you prefer a bit of fresh air, Velib Metropole, Paris’ public bike-sharing scheme, offers a great alternative. The Navigo pass provides convenient access to public transport, with various options available depending on your needs. In addition, excellent train networks and the presence of many low-cost airlines allow you to explore Europe.

- CON: Lack of convenience

Apart from the odd pharmacy, you’ll find few shops or services that are open 24/7 in Paris. This can be inconvenient if you’re moving from a country where services operate around the clock. Parisians work to live rather than live to work, and as such, you’ll find many independent retailers changing their opening hours on a whim.

Getting Around in Paris

Safety in Paris

+ PRO: Paris is generally a safe city

Safety in Paris is quite good compared to many major global cities. Violent crime rates are relatively low, and most areas frequented by expats are well-policed. The city maintains a visible security presence, particularly around major landmarks and transport hubs. Some of the safest neighbourhoods for expats include the 15th and 16th arrondissements, Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th), and Le Marais (3rd and 4th).

- CON: Be wary of petty crime

While living in Paris, you should stay alert to pick-pocketing, especially in tourist areas and on public transport. Popular spots like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre tend to attract opportunistic thieves. Using a cross-body bag, keeping valuables out of sight, and being aware of common distraction techniques will reduce your risk significantly. The front carriages of metro trains near the driver are typically safer choices when travelling late at night.

Local culture in Paris

+ PRO: Rich cultural experiences

Living in Paris means immersing yourself in one of the world’s great cultural capitals. From world-renowned museums and galleries to theatrical performances and music festivals, you’ll never run short of cultural activities. Parisians take their cultural life seriously, and you’ll find endless opportunities to engage with both classical and contemporary arts.

- CON: Strict social etiquette

Parisian culture comes with its own set of social rules and expectations that can feel formal to newcomers. You’ll need to learn the importance of greetings – saying ‘Bonjour’ when entering shops or meeting people is non-negotiable. The French value politeness highly, and using phrases like ‘S’il vous plaît’ (please) and ‘Merci’ (thank you) frequently is expected and well-received.

+ PRO: The Parisian lifestyle

You’ll come to appreciate the famous Parisian lifestyle – lingering over coffee at pavement cafés, enjoying leisurely meals, and embracing a more relaxed pace in your personal time. Parisians value quality of life, and they take time to appreciate good food, wine, art, and conversation. This approach to life, while initially an adjustment for those from fast-paced cultures, often becomes one of the most cherished aspects of living in the French capital.