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Bonjours, les étudiants! Are you wondering about the cost of living in Strasbourg? Known as the “center of humanism” in France, the city has upheld its tradition of academic excellence since olden times. But choosing to study in Strasbourg will come with preparations of its own, including figuring out the living expenses. Don’t worry though, this blog will update the current living costs in Strasbourg, such as living quarters, food, entertainment, utilities, and transportation. As a bonus, we will also cover the average tuition fees and some tips that you must keep in mind before moving to the city. Bon voyage!
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Why Choose Strasbourg to Study Abroad?
Compared to other major European cities, the cost of living in Strasbourg is relatively lower (EUR 800-1,000/month). Apart from being a budget-friendly destination for students, we can give you, not un, deux, tres, but six reasons to want to live and study in this French paradise:
- Strasbourg boasts of many prestigious institutes on its grounds like Université de Strasbourg, which is ranking =421 in QS World Rankings 2024. Other organizations like the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, & the European Court of Human Rights offer plenty of opportunities for cultural exchange and professional networking.
- Since Strasbourg sits on the French-German border, it has a bi-cultural identity. You literally get the best of both worlds!
- Living in Strasbourg, you can always plan to explore Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, since the city is a gateway to these European countries.
- No matter if you’re a little tight on budget, Strasbourg is a city easily navigable on foot. Explore hidden alleyways, charming canals, and picturesque half-timbered houses. Also, don’t miss the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Petite France district, known for its colourful houses and romantic bridges.
- The French are very well known for their passion for company, drink, and good food. Being bicultural, Strasbourg has a delectable blend of French and German culinary influences to offer. Bon appetit!
- You also get to experience multiple annual cultural fests like the Strasbourg Music Festival in June and the Opéra National de Strasbourg.
Also Read: Cost of Living in France: Rent, Food, Expenses and More
Cost of Living in Strasbourg
For an international student, the cost of living in Strasbourg is usually around EUR 800-1,000/month. It can also go up to EUR 1,849/month, depending on how much you spend on expenses like rent, food, utilities, transport, and entertainment. That said, let’s explore these costs in detail:
Living Accommodation
Depending on the type of accommodation and the area you choose to live in, here’s how much the cost of living in Strasbourg is:
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rent (in EUR) |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio apartment | Expensive area: €664/month Normal area: €495/month |
| Student residences | €300-€450/month |
| Shared apartments | €350-€500/month |
Food
Oui, oui, this is one of the most important cost of living in Strasbourg. Groceries will cost you around EUR 200-300/month if you decide to cook tres delicieux repas (meal) at home. Here’s what they cost:
| Grocery Item | Price |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | €1.24 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | €2.10 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | €2.17 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | €4.21 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | €13.67 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | €11.00 |
| Apples (1kg) | €2.55 |
| Banana (1kg) | €1.52 |
| Oranges (1kg) | €2.65 |
| Tomato (1kg) | €3.33 |
| Potato (1kg) | €2.08 |
| Onion (1kg) | €2.33 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | €1.43 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | €0.53 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | €6.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | €1.63 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | €1.67 |
And if want to explore and try the local cuisines of the city, tres bon! Here’s how much you can expect it to add to your cost of living in Strasbourg:
| Restaurant, Inexpensive | €15 |
| Restaurant, Mid-range | €30-€50 |
| Coffee | €3-€4 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Paris
Entertainment
Want to discover Strasbourg in all its glory without breaking the bank? Then do check out some of these activities and their costs in the French-German city:
| Mode of Entertainment | Cost |
| Basic dinner out for 2 in a neighborhood pub | €33 |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €19 |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €51 |
| Dinner for 2 at an Italian restaurant in the expat area (appetisers, main course, wine and dessert) | €53 |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €8 |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €2.88 |
| Cappuccino in the expat area of the city | €4.52 |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | €35 |
Utilities
Given below are some basic utilities and their approximate monthly costs that you can factor into your overall cost of living in Strasbourg:
| Utility | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | €290 |
| Mobile phone plan | €15-€30 per month |
| Internet | €20-€30 per month |
| 40” Flat screen TV | €369 |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, or equivalent brands) | €79 |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €13 |
Transportation
Here’s how much different modes of transport will cost you in Strasbourg:
| Mode of Transport | Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | €1.90 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | €45.00 |
| Rent a bike (per day) | €5 |
| Bike (purchase) | €200-€500 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | €1.80 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | €0.75 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | €24.00 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | €1.85 |
Cost of Living in Strasbourg: Average Tuition Fees
But the cost of living in Strasbourg aside, students must first figure out the academic expenses i.e. tuition fees. While it will vary with the type of institute and program you choose, here are some rough estimates:
| Type of University | Average Tuition Fees |
| Public | €2,000 – €5,000 per year |
| Private | €8,000 – €20,000 per year |
Undergraduate courses generally have lower tuition fees compared to postgraduate studies. Also, certain fields of study like medicine or engineering might have higher tuition fees due to special resources and equipment.
Also Read: Golden Tips To Successfully Study Abroad In France
Things to Consider Before Moving to Strasbourg
While thinking of relocating to Strasbourg sounds fantastique, you still need to consider some vital aspects of moving before you actually do. Here are a few of them:
- Ensure you have the correct visa application process completed well in advance of your move. Consult your local French embassy or consulate for specific requirements and timelines.
- Depending on your program length, you might need a residence permit in addition to your visa. Research and clarify this early on.
- Explore options offered by your university or CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires). They typically offer affordable and convenient accommodation options. You can also search online platforms like Le Bon Coin or Facebook groups for shared apartments or studios.
- While English is spoken in some areas, learning basic French will significantly enhance your experience. Consider taking courses or using language learning apps before you arrive.
- Embrace the cultural differences! Explore local customs, traditions, and cuisine to fully immerse yourself in the Alsatian way of life.
- Join student clubs, attend university events, and engage with locals to build a social network and combat potential loneliness.
- Familiarize yourself with the French healthcare system and apply for health insurance well in advance.
- Choose a French mobile phone plan for local calls and data access. Register with local authorities upon arrival and open a bank account for financial transactions.
- Be prepared for the initial adjustment period to a new environment. Give yourself time to adapt and don’t hesitate to seek support from university services or other international students.
- It’s natural to miss home and loved ones. Stay connected through video calls, letters, and online platforms. Prioritize your mental wellbeing. Utilize university resources or seek professional help if needed.
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FAQs
Ans: The average monthly budget for international students in Strasbourg is around EUR €750-€850 (including student accommodation).
Ans: Compared to Paris, you can save up to 60% on rent in Strasbourg. Amsterdam and London are also roughly 30-40% more expensive than the French city. Daily food expenses in Strasbourg are 20-30% cheaper than in London or Amsterdam. Paris boasts slightly lower grocery costs, but the overall cost of living remains higher.
Ans: Here are some smart money-saving strategies for international students living in Strasbourg:
1. Take advantage of student discounts
2. Explore the options for free activities like museum nights, open-air concerts, and park life.
3. Become a cycling commuter or use public transport.
4. Eating out every day can be expensive. Utilize your kitchen or share meals with friends to save.
5. Take advantage of your university’s discounted meals, second-hand books, and even financial assistance programs.
We hope that this blog gave you a fairly certain idea of the cost of living in Strasbourg for international students. Follow Leverage Edu today to get more such updates on student life abroad daily. Merci, au revoir!
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