7-Day Paris Trip Cost: Real Budget Breakdown for 2025

Paris doesn’t have to break the bank. The City of Light welcomes millions of travelers every year, and many of them stick to surprisingly reasonable budgets while still experiencing the magic of croissants at sunrise, wandering through the Louvre, and sipping wine along the Seine.

So how much does a week in Paris actually cost? The answer depends on travel style, but most visitors spend between $1,500 and $4,500 per person for seven days. Budget travelers can manage on $1,500 to $2,200, mid-range explorers typically spend $2,500 to $3,500, and luxury seekers often invest $4,000 and up.

Breaking Down Your Paris Budget

Understanding where money goes makes planning easier. A typical 7-day Paris trip includes flights, accommodation, food, attractions, local transport, and those spontaneous moments that make travel memorable.

Flights to Paris

Airfare usually represents the biggest single expense. Round-trip flights from major U.S. cities to Paris range from $400 to $1,200 depending on the season and how far in advance tickets are purchased. Spring and fall offer sweet spots with decent weather and lower prices than peak summer months.

Booking three to four months ahead typically yields better rates. Mid-week flights cost less than weekend departures. Red-eye flights save a hotel night and maximize vacation days.

Where to Stay in Paris

Accommodation costs vary wildly across Paris neighborhoods. Budget hostels start around $30 per night for dorm beds, while private rooms in budget hotels run $80 to $120. Mid-range hotels in central arrondissements cost $150 to $250 nightly. Luxury properties easily exceed $400 per night.

Seven nights of accommodation therefore ranges from $210 for hostel stays to $1,750 for upscale hotels. Vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb offer middle ground, especially for groups who can split costs.

Location matters as much as price. Staying in the Marais, Latin Quarter, or near Saint-Germain-des-Prés puts travelers within walking distance of major sites, potentially saving metro costs and time.

Daily Food Budget in Paris

Food is where Paris shines, and eating well doesn’t require Michelin-star budgets. A fresh baguette costs a euro. Croissants run about $1.50. A café crème at a neighborhood café is $3 to $4.

Budget eaters spending $30 to $40 daily enjoy bakery breakfasts, market picnics, and casual bistro dinners. Mid-range diners allocating $60 to $90 per day dine at proper restaurants for most meals. Splurging $100-plus daily unlocks gastronomic experiences and wine pairings.

For a week, food costs range from $210 for budget meals to $700 for upscale dining. The beauty of Paris is that a $6 jambon-beurre from a corner shop tastes as authentically Parisian as a $40 entrecôte at a brasserie.

Getting Around the City

Paris Metro tickets cost $2.15 each, but a weekly Navigo pass for $26 offers unlimited rides on metros, buses, and RER trains within central zones. Most visitors find the weekly pass worthwhile, especially when staying outside the very center.

Walking remains the best way to discover Paris. The city reveals itself between destinations when strolling along the Seine, cutting through hidden passages, or following café-lined boulevards.

Taxis and Ubers add up quickly in Paris traffic. A ride across town runs $15 to $30. Saving these for late nights or airport transfers makes sense. The RER train to Charles de Gaulle costs just $12 and takes 30 minutes.

Attraction and Activity Costs

The Louvre charges $20. The Eiffel Tower summit costs $30. Notre-Dame, currently under reconstruction, will be free when it reopens. Many churches, parks, and neighborhoods cost nothing to explore.

A Paris Museum Pass ($75 for four days, $90 for six days) provides skip-the-line access to over 60 museums and monuments. For travelers planning to visit multiple paid sites, the pass saves money and hours of queuing.

River cruises along the Seine cost $15 to $20 for basic tours, while dinner cruises run $80 and up. Cabaret shows at Moulin Rouge or Lido start around $100. Day trips to Versailles add $30 to $80 depending on tour inclusions.

Budget $200 to $400 for a week of activities and entrance fees. This covers major museums, a river cruise, and a few special experiences without overdoing it.

The Real Numbers Add Up

Putting it all together, here’s what a 7-day Paris trip costs for different travel styles:

Budget Traveler (Solo)

• Flights: $600
• Hostel (7 nights): $280
• Food ($35/day): $245
• Metro pass: $26
• Attractions: $150
• Total: $1,301

Mid-Range Couple

• Flights: $1,800 (both)
• Hotel (7 nights): $1,400
• Food ($75/day each): $1,050
• Transportation: $60
• Attractions/tours: $600
• Miscellaneous: $200
• Total: $5,110 ($2,555 per person)

Comfortable Solo Traveler

• Flights: $800
• Nice hotel (7 nights): $1,750
• Food ($90/day): $630
• Transportation: $100
• Premium experiences: $500
• Shopping/extras: $300
• Total: $4,080

Smart Ways to Save Money

Visiting during shoulder season (April to May or September to October) cuts costs significantly. Hotels charge less, flights cost hundreds less, and attractions are less crowded.

Eating breakfast at bakeries and occasional dinners from markets or grocery stores stretches budgets without sacrificing quality. French supermarkets stock excellent cheese, charcuterie, wine, and prepared foods perfect for Seine-side picnics.

Free walking tours (tip-based) provide excellent orientation and local insights. Many museums offer free entry on the first Sundays of each month. Churches like Sainte-Chapelle showcase stunning architecture for modest entrance fees.

Hidden Costs to Remember

Travel insurance adds $40 to $100 but provides crucial protection. Travelers should check what their existing plans cover before departure to find the right peace of mind.

ATM fees and foreign transaction charges sneak up on budgets. Using credit cards without foreign fees and withdrawing larger amounts less frequently minimizes these costs.

Souvenirs, that extra glass of wine, the vintage poster that catches your eye at a bouquiniste, and tipping (expected in restaurants at 5-10% for good service) all add $200 to $400 to most trips.

See also: Marseille Sky Center Panoramic Terrace: Best View Ticket

When Budget Meets Reality

Most travelers find their actual spending lands 10-20% higher than planned. Paris has a way of inspiring spontaneous café stops, unplanned museum visits, and “just one more” moments worth every euro.

The key to managing costs is deciding what matters most personally. Some travelers happily stay in basic rooms to afford better meals. Others skimp on food to book nicer hotels. There’s no wrong answer when priorities align with spending.

Planning a Paris adventure requires balancing dreams with practical budgets, but the city rewards travelers at every price point. Whether spending $1,500 or $5,000 for the week, Paris delivers moments that outlast bank statements and memories worth far more than their cost.

The romance, art, food, and je ne sais quoi of Paris don’t come with price tags. Those elements live in morning light filtering through café windows, in the view from Sacré-Cœur at sunset, and in conversations with locals who appreciate visitors trying their imperfect French. Smart planning and realistic budgeting simply open the door to experiencing everything this incredible city offers.

For travelers ready to turn Paris dreams into booked flights, explore curated Paris packages and expert travel planning that take the guesswork out of budgeting while maximizing every moment in the City of Light.