Paris is not known for cheap apartments.
When it comes to renting an apartment in Paris, what's considered cheap in the City of Light would be considered expensive in the U.S. According to Global Property Guide, the average rent for an apartment in Paris in 2012 was 22.40 euros per square meter. For the average 35 square meter (375 square foot) studio apartment, this comes out to 784 euros or $965.
Instructions
1. Look for an apartment outside the city center. Expensive neighborhoods such as St. Germain des Pres and Marais will have the highest rental prices because of their location, easy access to major attractions and trendy boutiques and cafes. Instead, look for a place in areas like the Latin Quarter and Republique, famous for its many budget hotels and as a favorite location for backpackers. Not only are rents cheaper here, but so are the shops.
2. Check the FUSAC newspaper, which is available in both English and French and can be accessed online. The Housing section, which is updated several times a day, offers rental opportunities and apartment shares.
3. Get a studio. The size difference between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment is not that significant, but you will save up to 50 percent. If you're using the apartment only for a couple of hours a day, in the morning and evenings, you probably don't need anything larger.
4. Check classifieds, bulletin boards and websites such as Craigslist for the word FRBO -- for rent by owner. This means no real estate offices and no added fees. Finding FRBO apartments can be tricky, so check for flyers and even bulletin boards at local universities.
Tags: bulletin boards, square meter