Paris has a reputation for being an expensive city, but the magic of the City of Light shouldn’t be limited to travelers with huge budgets. Finding affordable accommodation in Paris is absolutely possible—you just need to know where to look.
From lively hostel districts to residential neighborhoods a quick Metro ride from the center, here is your essential guide to securing the cheapest places to stay in Paris.
1. The Budget-Friendly Arrondissements (Where to Look)
Paris is divided into 20 administrative districts, known as arrondissements, which spiral outwards from the city center (the 1st). Generally, the higher the number, the further out you are, and the cheaper the prices will be.
Here are the most affordable and best-value areas for budget travelers:
| Arrondissement | Neighborhood Focus | Why It’s Cheap & Great |
| 10th Arr. | Gare du Nord / Canal Saint-Martin | Excellent transport links (major train stations), home to many large, reputable hostels. Offers a cool, slightly grittier, and hip atmosphere near the canal. |
| 11th Arr. | Bastille / République / Popincourt | Lively, popular with locals, and packed with affordable bars, restaurants, and hidden-gem hotels. It’s central enough to walk to many sites, but still budget-friendly. |
| 18th Arr. | Montmartre (North) | While the Sacré-Cœur area is popular, the northern parts of the 18th offer great value. It retains a classic Parisian village feel and is well-connected by Metro Line 4. |
| 20th Arr. | Belleville / Ménilmontant | Situated on the eastern edge of the city, the 20th is culturally diverse and famously budget-conscious. It offers the lowest average hotel prices in Paris, with neighborhoods like Belleville being one of the most affordable. |
| 13th & 14th Arr. | Montparnasse / Place d’Italie | Located in the south, these residential areas offer a genuine local experience and lower prices for both hostels and budget hotels, with easy access to the main tourist zones via the Metro. |
2. Top Picks: The Best Hostels for Budget Travelers
Hostels are hands-down the cheapest way to stay in Paris, especially if you opt for a dorm room (often starting between €18 and €30 per night). Many Parisian hostels now rival boutique hotels in terms of design and amenities.
| Hostel Name | Location | Key Feature | Starting Price (Dorm Est.) |
| St Christopher’s Inn | Gare du Nord (10th) & Canal (19th) | A well-known European chain offering competitive prices, clean facilities, and lively on-site bars (Belushi’s). The Canal location is famous for its waterside setting. | ~€20 |
| Generator Paris | 10th Arrondissement | A popular “poshtel” with a vibrant bar, sleek design, and an incredible rooftop terrace offering views of Montmartre. Great for socializing. | ~€20 |
| The People | Marais, Belleville, Bercy, Nation | A quality French chain with multiple locations. The Marais location is particularly notable for offering budget stays right next to the 4th arrondissement (a very expensive area). | ~€19 (Marais) |
| Peace and Love Hostel | 10th Arrondissement | Known for its extremely low prices and social atmosphere, often one of the absolute cheapest options near the city center. | ~$34 / ~€32 |
| Enjoy Hostel | 14th Arrondissement (Montparnasse) | A solid, basic, and highly-rated option in the southern, residential part of the city, offering great value for money. | ~$29 / ~€27 |
3. Budget Hotel Chains & Smart Alternatives
If a hostel dorm isn’t for you, there are still ways to find a private room without emptying your wallet:
-
Look for Budget Chains: Keep an eye out for well-known international budget brands just outside the central tourist districts. Chains like ibis budget, B&B HOTEL, and easyHotel often have locations near major transport hubs (like Gare de Lyon, Porte de Montreuil, or the airports) that offer better rates.
-
Opt for Private Rooms in Hostels: Many of the best-rated hostels (like Generator or The People) also offer double or twin private rooms. While more expensive than a dorm, these rooms are often far cheaper and more modern than equivalent 2-star hotels in the same area.
-
Check the Suburbs (Petite Couronne): While not technically Paris, looking at towns right on the Metro line, such as Gentilly, Ivry-sur-Seine, or Saint-Ouen, can drastically cut costs, especially during peak season. You can often find hotels here that are 50% cheaper than the city center, and still only a 20-30 minute journey to the Louvre.
Final Budget Tips for Booking
-
Book Far in Advance: Parisian accommodation—especially budget options—fills up quickly. Booking several months out is the single best way to lock in the lowest rates.
-
Be Flexible with Dates: If possible, avoid peak summer (July/August) and major holidays. February is often cited as the cheapest month to visit and book hotels.
-
Master the Metro: Staying in a cheaper outer arrondissement (like the 19th or 20th) is only viable if you plan to use the Paris Metro system constantly. Buy a multi-day pass or a carnet (pack of 10 tickets) to make transit cheap and efficient.
-
Embrace the 10th Arrondissement: For the best balance of price and location, focus your search on the 10th Arrondissement. It’s walking distance to Canal Saint-Martin, right next to the hip 11th, and offers the highest concentration of affordable, well-connected accommodation in the city.