Paris on a Budget: Best Places to Stay

Paris is many things, but cheap isn’t usually one of them. Still, if you plan ahead and pick the right part of the city, you can keep your accommodation costs under control. This guide breaks down the best neighborhoods for budget travelers in 2026, the top cheap hostels and hotels, and what you can realistically expect to spend. It’s written with U.S. travelers in mind, so you’ll see clear comparisons and practical advice you can use right away.

Budget travel in Paris isn’t about finding the lowest price on the map. It’s about choosing an area where your money goes further, transit is easy, and you can enjoy the city without feeling squeezed. The good news: Paris still has excellent budget options, even as prices continue to rise.

How Paris Accommodation Prices Work in 2026

Prices in Paris follow a pattern that’s fairly predictable once you understand the basics. Rooms are small, demand is high, and anything close to the Seine or major monuments comes with a premium. Yet many travelers overspend simply because they assume they need to be near the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. You don’t.

What “cheap” actually means in 2026

These ranges vary by season, but they’re a solid guide for planning:

• Hostel dorms: €25–40 per night
• Hostel private rooms: €75+
• Budget hotels: €100–200
• Small short-term rentals: Usually €100–180 for a studio

If you arrive during fashion weeks, major sporting events, or peak summer, expect a spike. Booking early helps, but flexible dates help even more.

Other costs to know

Paris adds a small nightly tourist tax to most stays. It’s minor, but it does show up on your final bill. Breakfasts are rarely included in cheap hotels and can add €10–15 per person. Keep that in mind when comparing deals.

Cheap Places to Stay: What Works Best

You don’t have to lock yourself into hostels to visit Paris on a budget. Each type of lodging offers different advantages.

Hostels

Hostels remain the cheapest option, especially for solo travelers or students. Modern Paris hostels look more like boutique hotels than the bare-bones places many people remember. Most have free wifi, clean shared kitchens, community areas, and a steady stream of travelers.



The downsides are familiar: shared bathrooms, noise, and less privacy. But if saving money is the priority, hostels are still the strongest value for 2026.

Budget hotels

Budget hotels in Paris offer a private room and bathroom at the lowest traditional-hotel price. Rooms tend to be quite small by U.S. standards. You might find a double bed pressed against a wall or a bathroom that feels almost airplane-sized. What you pay for instead is location and convenience.



If you choose this route, focus more on reviews and proximity to a metro line than fancy amenities. Reliable wifi and clean rooms matter more than a designer lobby.

Short-term rentals

A small studio rental can be a great deal, especially if you’re staying four nights or more. A simple kitchen lets you skip pricey breakfasts and occasional dinners out. That alone can save €20–40 per day for two people.



Short-term rental regulations in Paris remain strict, so availability varies and last-minute options can be limited. Still, for families or couples who want extra space, this is often the best value.

Seasonal university housing

During summer months, student residences sometimes open rooms to travelers. These are plain but safe, and often priced well below hotels. They work best for younger travelers who don’t mind the simplicity.

Suburban budget options

If you don’t mind a 20–30-minute train ride, suburban hotels can cut your nightly cost by 15–30 percent. These areas aren’t scenic, but they’re practical for repeat visitors or anyone prioritizing cost above atmosphere.

Best Cheap Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris (2026)

Your neighborhood choice matters more than anything else. Paris is compact, and a quick metro ride will get you anywhere you need. Here are the areas that consistently offer good value in 2026.

19th and 20th Arrondissements

These districts sit on the eastern side of Paris and remain among the city’s most affordable options. They’re residential, lively, and filled with local bakeries and parks. The 19th gives you Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Paris. The 20th offers Belleville, known for great food and street art.

This area is ideal for travelers who want lower prices without sacrificing walkability or access to metro lines.

10th, 11th, and 12th Arrondissements

These districts are among the best blends of affordability, good food, and easy transit. You’ll find many hostels here along with small hotels that don’t feel overrun by tourists.



The 10th and 11th are especially convenient for nightlife and restaurants. The 12th is calmer and a solid choice for families. The mix of metro and rail connections makes all three strong options for a budget base.

Montmartre / 18th Arrondissement

Montmartre stays popular with budget travelers because it offers character and manageable prices. The closer you stay to Sacré-Cœur, the more you’ll pay, so look a few blocks away from the main viewpoint for better deals.

This area feels romantic but still down-to-earth. It’s not the fastest place to get around from, but many travelers enjoy the neighborhood vibe enough that it doesn’t matter.

Northern edge neighborhoods

Areas around La Chapelle, Marx Dormoy, and Porte de la Chapelle often offer some of the lowest hotel prices inside the city limits. These neighborhoods are practical rather than scenic, but they’re well connected. If your priority is saving money, they’re worth considering.

13th, 14th, and 15th Arrondissements

These districts are more residential and quieter at night. Hotels here can be cheaper than the city center, especially in shoulder seasons. The 13th has strong transit links, the 14th is relaxed and local, and the 15th offers good access to the Eiffel Tower without the steep prices of the 7th.

Neighborhoods that are rarely cheap

The 1st through 7th arrondissements cover the heart of Paris. They’re beautiful and central, but very expensive. If your goal is to stay in Paris cheaply, you won’t find much value there.

5 Best Cheap Hostels in Paris

These hostels offer strong value, reliable cleanliness, and locations that make sightseeing easy.

The People Hostels (Bercy, Belleville, Marais)

This chain stands out for modern design and social spaces. Rooms are clean, beds are sturdy, and the atmosphere is friendly without feeling chaotic. The Marais location is especially convenient for walking and nightlife.

2. Generator Paris (19th)

This is one of the trendiest budget stays in the city. It has a large rooftop terrace, great views, and a stylish interior. It works well for solo travelers who want more comfort than the average hostel.

3. Le Village Montmartre

A small and cozy hostel near Sacré-Cœur. It’s a good fit for couples or anyone who wants a mellow base. The area feels village-like but still close to the metro.

4. St Christopher’s Inns (Gare du Nord and Canal)

These two hostels are popular with American travelers. They’re lively, organized, and well located. The Canal location is especially scenic.

5. Vintage Gare du Nord Hostel

Another reliable choice near major train connections. It’s clean, well-run, and close to bakeries and cafés that won’t break your budget.

If you’re booking a hostel, check whether they charge for locker storage, towels, or bed linens. Also look for midweek rates, which can be noticeably lower.

5 Best Cheap Hotels in Paris

If you prefer privacy but want prices that stay reasonable, these hotels offer consistent value.

1. Hotel Diana

A long-time favorite among budget travelers who still want a Left Bank location. Rooms are small but clean, and the area is excellent for cafés and river walks.

2. Hôtel de la Porte Dorée

Located near the Bois de Vincennes, this hotel offers charm and comfort without a steep price tag. The neighborhood is quiet and safe, with easy metro access.

3. Hotel Bienvenue

A stylish spot with occasional affordable rates when booked early. It works well for couples or travelers who want a little more design without a big jump in price.

4. Timhotel budget options

Timhotel has several locations across Paris, and many offer reasonable prices. Rooms are simple and clean, and locations are often excellent for sightseeing.

5. Hotel Rose Bourbon

A modern boutique-style hotel that can be surprisingly affordable midweek or outside peak months. Good choice for visitors who prefer a quieter area.

If you’re booking budget hotels, check whether they list air conditioning. Some older buildings don’t have it, and summer can be hot. Also pay attention to elevator access if you’re traveling with large luggage.

Alternative Budget Lodging Options

Short-term rentals

A studio rental can stretch your budget if you plan to eat breakfast at home or pick up groceries from local markets. Paris markets are full of fresh fruit, pastries, and ready-to-eat meals at lower prices than restaurants.

University housing

In summer, these rooms offer central locations at much lower prices. They’re plain, but they’re predictable and safe.

Suburban hotels

Places like Saint-Ouen, Montreuil, and Issy-les-Moulineaux offer lower prices and direct metro or RER access. If you don’t mind commuting, this is a solid way to stay in Paris cheap.

Private room rentals

Some platforms offer a room in a shared apartment. This can be the lowest “private” option, though you should filter for strong reviews and a clear description of the home environment.

How to Save Money on Accommodation in 2026

Book early, but not blindly

For spring and fall trips, booking two to four months ahead gives you the best rates. For summer, start looking even earlier. Still, keep an eye open for promotions, especially on weekdays.

Visit during cheaper months

January through March and November through early December usually offer the lowest prices. Early April and late September rise sharply due to demand.

Stay near a metro line

Being close to a metro station is more important than being in a famous neighborhood. Lines 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11 cover most sightseeing areas with minimal transfers.

Make food part of your budget plan

Hotels often charge steep prices for breakfast. You’ll spend less grabbing a pastry and coffee from a bakery or stocking up on yogurt, fruit, and fresh bread from local shops.

Look for included amenities

A kitchenette, free luggage storage, free wifi, and included linens make more difference than a decorative headboard.

What to Expect from Budget Stays in Paris

If you’ve never stayed in a budget hotel or hostel in Europe, some things may surprise you:

• Rooms are small. Even very good budget hotels have compact layouts.
• Bathrooms can be tiny. Shower stalls sometimes squeeze into a corner.
• Daily housekeeping isn’t guaranteed. Many budget places clean every second or third day.
• Street noise varies. Ask for courtyard-facing rooms if you’re a light sleeper.
• Early check-in is rare. Many hotels offer luggage storage instead.

None of these are problems if you prepare for them. Most travelers find they spend so little time in their room that these quirks don’t matter.

Sample Budget Itineraries

3-night solo budget trip

• Stay in a hostel in the 10th, 11th, or 19th.
• Use free walking tours to get a feel for the city.
• Picnic lunches from markets rather than restaurants.
• Expect to spend less than €300 on accommodation if booked early.

4–5-night couple’s trip

• Choose a budget hotel or studio rental in the 12th, 13th, or Montmartre.
• Mix restaurant dinners with easy meals at home.
• Enjoy evening walks along the Seine or Montmartre’s side streets.
• Expect accommodation costs around €500–800 depending on season.

5-night family trip

• A small rental apartment offers the best value, especially with kids.
• Stay in the 13th or 15th for calmer evenings.
• Use bakeries and grocery stores for simple meals.
• Expect accommodation costs around €600–1000 for a basic apartment.

Final Thoughts

Finding cheap places to stay in Paris is completely possible in 2026 if you pick the right neighborhood and stay flexible. Eastern districts like the 19th and 20th remain the best value, but hostels and affordable hotels in the 10th, 11th, and Montmartre give you a great mix of price and convenience. Short-term rentals help stretch your budget even further, especially for couples and families.



Paris doesn’t have to be an expensive destination. With early planning and smart choices, you can enjoy the city fully without spending more than you need to on your hotel or hostel.