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How Much Does It Really Cost to Live in Strasbourg as a Student?
Strasbourg is one of France’s most popular student cities, thanks to its vibrant culture, international atmosphere, and relatively affordable living compared to Paris. But what is the cost of living in Strasbourg for students in 2025? This guide breaks down every expense you need to plan for, from rent and groceries to transport and leisure.
Whether you’re a French student or an international student preparing for the academic year, you’ll find practical numbers, budgeting tips, and answers to common questions.
Average Monthly Budget for a Student in Strasbourg
On average, a student in Strasbourg needs between €800 and €1,100 per month to cover basic expenses. This includes rent, food, transport, health insurance, and a small amount for leisure. The exact figure depends on your lifestyle, housing type, and whether you share accommodation.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared apartment) | 350–500 |
| Utilities (electricity, internet, water) | 50–80 |
| Groceries and food | 200–300 |
| Transport (bus/tram monthly pass) | 25–35 |
| Health insurance (CVEC + top-up) | 10–50 |
| Mobile phone plan | 10–20 |
| Leisure, eating out, miscellaneous | 100–200 |
| Total | 800–1,100 |
Rent: The Biggest Expense
Housing is the largest part of the cost of living in Strasbourg for students. Rents vary by location, size, and whether the apartment is furnished.
Average Rent by Accommodation Type
- Shared apartment (colocation): €350–€500 per room, including utilities in many cases.
- Studio apartment: €450–€650 per month, often without utilities.
- University residence (CROUS): €200–€350, very affordable but limited availability.
Neighborhoods: Where to Live on a Budget
Popular student neighborhoods include Krutenau, Esplanade, and Montagne Verte. Krutenau is lively and central, while Esplanade is quieter and close to the university campus. Montagne Verte offers cheaper rents but is farther from the center.
Tip: Apply for APL (housing assistance) from CAF as soon as you have a lease. You can receive between €50 and €150 per month, significantly reducing your rent.
Food and Groceries
Groceries for one person typically cost €200–€300 per month. You can save by shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, or Leclerc rather than Monoprix or Carrefour City.
Eating at the university restaurant (Resto U) costs around €3.30 per meal with a student card, making it an affordable option for lunch. Cooking at home is generally cheaper than eating out, but Strasbourg has many affordable bakeries and kebab shops where you can grab a quick bite for €5–€8.
Transportation Costs
Strasbourg has an excellent public transport network operated by CTS. The monthly student pass for buses and trams costs €25–€35, depending on your age and subscription type. An annual subscription brings the cost down to about €23 per month.
Many students prefer to bike: Strasbourg is one of the most bike-friendly cities in France, with extensive cycle paths. A used bike can be bought for €50–€100, and maintenance is minimal. The city also offers a Vélhop bike rental service with long-term options.
Health Insurance and CVEC
All students in France must pay the CVEC (Contribution de Vie Étudiante et de Campus) of €103 per year (2025). This fee is mandatory and gives access to student health services and campus activities.
If you are under 28 and an EU student, you are covered by the French social security. Non-EU students must enroll in the French social security system (free) and may want a top-up mutual insurance for better coverage, costing €15–€50 per month.
Mobile Phone and Internet
Mobile plans in France are very affordable. Low-cost carriers like Free, SFR, Bouygues, and Orange offer plans with 20–100 GB for €10–€20 per month. Internet at home (if not included in rent) costs around €25–€35 per month, often shared with flatmates.
Leisure and Personal Expenses
Strasbourg offers many free or cheap activities: visiting the cathedral, walking in the Parc de l’Orangerie, exploring the Petite France district, and attending free museum days (first Sunday of the month). A cinema ticket costs about €7–€10, and a coffee at a café is around €3.
Budget around €100–€200 per month for leisure, eating out, clothes, and other personal items. If you plan to travel, add extra for weekend trips.
Money-Saving Tips for Students in Strasbourg
- Apply for CAF housing assistance as soon as possible.
- Cook at home and use student meal deals at Resto U.
- Use a bicycle for daily commuting instead of public transport.
- Share accommodation to cut rent and utility costs.
- Get a student discount card (ISIC) for discounts at shops and attractions.
- Shop at discount supermarkets and buy in bulk with flatmates.
- Take advantage of free events and student nights at clubs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Budgeting
- Underestimating initial costs: First month often requires deposit (usually one month’s rent) plus agency fees. Have at least €1,500–€2,000 ready.
- Not applying for APL immediately: You can apply online after getting your lease. Delaying means losing money.
- Ignoring the CVEC: You must pay it before enrolling; otherwise, you cannot register.
- Overspending on eating out: It’s tempting, but restaurant meals add up quickly.
Cost of Living Comparison: Strasbourg vs Other French Cities
Compared to Paris (€1,200–€1,500/month), Strasbourg is significantly cheaper. It is slightly more expensive than cities like Lyon (€800–€1,000) or Toulouse (€750–€950), but offers a unique quality of life with its European institutions and German border proximity. For international students, Strasbourg is often more affordable than many other popular study destinations in Western Europe.
How to Find Affordable Student Housing
- Apply for CROUS residences early (often in February for September start).
- Use platforms like Leboncoin, SeLoger, or La Carte des Colocs.
- Join Facebook groups for Strasbourg students (e.g., “Logement Strasbourg Étudiants”).
- Consider colocation (shared housing) to reduce costs.
- Check if your university offers a housing guarantee (like VISALE) to avoid needing a guarantor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum budget for a student in Strasbourg?
You need at least €800 per month to cover essential expenses, but €1,000 is more comfortable.
Is Strasbourg expensive for international students?
Compared to other European student cities, Strasbourg is moderately affordable. It is cheaper than Paris, London, or Amsterdam, but more expensive than smaller French towns.
Can I work part-time as a student in Strasbourg?
Yes, international students can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week). Minimum wage is around €11.65 per hour in 2025. Many students find jobs in restaurants, tutoring, or retail.
How much does health insurance cost for students in Strasbourg?
If you are under 28 and from the EU, social security is free. For non-EU students, the CVEC (€103/year) is mandatory, and a top-up mutual can cost €15–€50/month.
Do students get discounts on public transport?
Yes, the monthly student pass is about €25–€35, and annual subscriptions are cheaper. You need a student ID to qualify.
How can I reduce my rent in Strasbourg?
Apply for APL housing assistance from CAF, share an apartment, or live in a CROUS residence. Also consider neighborhoods farther from the city center.
Your Next Steps: Plan Your Budget Now
Now that you know the cost of living in Strasbourg for students, it’s time to create a realistic budget. Start by estimating your income (scholarships, part-time job, family support) and compare it with the expenses listed here. Apply for housing assistance early, look for shared accommodation, and take advantage of student discounts. With careful planning, Strasbourg can be an affordable and rewarding place to study.
If you have specific questions about your situation, leave a comment below or check the official French student website for updated information.
Photo by Antoine Pouligny on Unsplash
The APL housing assistance is a great tip. How do I apply for it as a non-EU student?
You can apply online through the CAF website once you have a French bank account and a valid residence permit. You’ll need your lease, ID, visa, and bank details. The process is in French, but many universities have support services to help international students.
Do the CROUS residences fill up quickly? When should I apply?
Yes, they are very popular. Applications for the next academic year usually open in January or February through the CROUS platform. Apply as early as possible to increase your chances. International students may have specific deadlines through their university.
I’m considering living in Montagne Verte to save money. Is the bike commute to the university campus feasible?
Absolutely! Strasbourg is very bike-friendly, and Montagne Verte is about 20–30 minutes by bike to the main campus. The city has dedicated bike lanes. Just ensure you have a good lock and lights for safety.
I noticed the transport pass is €25–€35 per month. Is there a discount for buying an annual pass?
Yes, the annual subscription costs around €276 per year for students under 26, which works out to about €23 per month. It’s a good deal if you plan to use public transport regularly. You can purchase it online or at CTS agencies.
Thanks for the breakdown! I’m an international student and wondering if health insurance is included in the tuition or if we have to pay separately.
International students pay the CVEC (about €103 per year) and then must get top-up health insurance (mutuelle) if they want extra coverage. Basic social security is covered by the French system for enrolled students, but the mutuelle is optional though recommended.
Is the €800–€1,100 budget realistic for someone who eats out occasionally? I like to try restaurants maybe twice a week.
Yes, it’s realistic if you keep eating out moderate. A meal out can cost €12–€20, so if you budget €100–€150 for leisure and dining, you’ll stay within the upper range. Cooking at home most days helps balance it.