As an international student, choosing the right city to pursue your studies can be a challenging decision, especially when it comes to budgeting for your living expenses. Toulouse, with its rich cultural heritage, picturesque streets, and bustling student life, is a popular destination for international students. However, before you make the move to this city, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Toulouse.Â
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various aspects of living in Toulouse, including accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment, and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs you can expect to incur.Â
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of whether Toulouse is an affordable city for your studies and how you can manage your expenses as an international student.
As a student, accommodation is a significant expense to consider when studying in Toulouse. The cost of accommodation in Toulouse varies depending on the location, size, and type of accommodation.Â
However, there are many options available for students including on-campus housing, private apartments, and shared accommodation. The cost of rent for a private studio or a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €500 to €700 per month, while the rent for a similar apartment in the suburbs is usually lower, ranging from €400 to €600 per month.Â
According to a survey by Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is €609.17 and the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is €481.43.Â
It is essential to factor in additional expenses like utilities and internet which typically cost between €100 to €150 per month. Students should explore different accommodation options and plan their budget accordingly to ensure they have a comfortable living arrangement during their studies in Toulouse.
Getting around a new city can be challenging, especially for international students who may not be familiar with the local transportation system. Fortunately, Toulouse has a comprehensive public transportation network that is affordable and easy to use. In this section, we’ll explore the various transportation options available in Toulouse, including buses, trams, and metro lines.Â
We’ll also provide a breakdown of the costs associated with using public transportation, as well as alternative transportation options such as bike rental and car sharing. Â
Toulouse has an extensive public transportation network that includes buses, trams, and metro lines. The Tisséo network covers the entire city and its suburbs, making it easy for students to get around.Â
As of April 2023, the monthly pass costs €49.30, and the annual pass costs €496.70.
Students who are under 26 years old and studying in Toulouse can purchase a monthly pass for €28.20, and an annual pass for €282.60. The Tisséo website provides a comprehensive guide to the public transportation network, including route maps, schedules, and ticket information.
In addition to public transportation, Toulouse also offers alternative transportation options such as bike rental and car sharing.Â
VélôToulouse is the city’s bike-sharing service, with over 280 stations and 2,400 bikes available for rent.Â
Another option is car sharing, which allows users to rent cars for short periods of time. BlaBlaCar and Drivy are popular car-sharing services in Toulouse, with prices ranging from €4 to €10 per hour, depending on the vehicle type and rental duration. These alternative transportation options can be more cost-effective for short-term use, especially if you only need to travel short distances.
Food is an essential part of daily life for students, and it’s important to know the cost of groceries and meals in Toulouse. In this section, we’ll explore the different food and grocery options available, including supermarkets, grocery stores, and restaurants, and provide an overview of the average cost of food in Toulouse.Â
The city has a variety of supermarkets and grocery stores that offer a range of options for students. Carrefour, Auchan, and Leclerc are some of the popular supermarkets in Toulouse.Â
These supermarkets offer a wide range of products, from fresh produce to household items, at reasonable prices. Lidl and Aldi are discount supermarket chains that offer even lower prices, but with a more limited selection. In addition to supermarkets, Toulouse has numerous open-air markets that sell fresh produce, cheese, meat, and other local specialties.Â
On average, a student can expect to spend on average between €50 and €70 per week on groceries in Toulouse, depending on their food preferences and dietary requirements. Prices may vary depending on the supermarket and the location.
Toulouse offers a vibrant food scene with a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from. The cost of dining out in Toulouse varies depending on the type of cuisine and the restaurant’s location.Â
A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between €15 to €25, while a meal at a fast-food restaurant can cost between €7 to €10. (according to Numbeo.com)
For a more budget-friendly option, many cafes and bakeries offer sandwiches, pastries, and drinks for under €5. Toulouse is also known for its street food, with various food trucks and stalls selling crepes, sandwiches, and other snacks for under €10.Â
Prices may vary depending on the restaurant or cafe and the location. TripAdvisor and TheFork are useful resources for finding and comparing restaurants in Toulouse.
The city has a vibrant entertainment scene with plenty of options for students to explore. The cost of entertainment and leisure activities in Toulouse varies depending on the activity and the location. For example, a ticket to the cinema will cost you on average €11.50, while a ticket to a museum like the Musée des Augustins costs €5 for students.Â
There are also numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Printemps de Septembre and the Rio Loco Festival, which offer free and ticketed events.Â
In terms of nightlife, Toulouse has a range of bars and clubs, with drinks costing around €6-€8 per drink. For budget-friendly options, students can explore the city’s parks, like the Jardin des Plantes or the Prairie des Filtres, which are free to enter. The cost of entertainment and leisure activities in Toulouse is generally affordable, and students can enjoy a variety of options on a budget.
Affordability is a major concern for international students, and Toulouse offers a good balance between quality of life and cost of living. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Toulouse is 20% lower than in Paris, with the average monthly cost of living for a student estimated at €750-€1000.
– Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses for students, but there are various affordable options available, ranging from €400 to €700 per month. Public transportation is also affordable, with a single ticket costing €1.70 and monthly passes available for €49.30.Â
– Food and entertainment options are reasonably priced, with many affordable supermarkets, restaurants, and leisure activities available throughout the city. Additionally, students can take advantage of discounts and special offers by presenting their student ID card.
While there are certainly expenses to consider, Toulouse offers a more affordable option for international students compared to other major cities in France.
Are you considering studying abroad? Look no further than Europe! With its diverse range of education options, affordable tuition fees, and endless travel opportunities, Europe is the perfect destination for international students.
And if you’re looking for a top-ranked business school in the heart of Europe, TBS Education has everything you need to launch your global career.
In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of studying in Europe, including how it can boost your career prospects, expose you to different cultures, and broaden your horizons. So why wait?
Read on to discover why studying in Europe is the best choice you can make for your future.
Studying in Europe can be a game-changer for your career prospects. International students who study in Europe find employment easily after graduating. This is largely due to the quality of education and research in Europe, which ranks among the best in the world.
In fact, according to the QS World University Rankings 2022, 28 of the world’s top 100 universities are located in Europe.
Moreover, studying in Europe can enhance your cross-cultural communication skills and global mindset, making you more competitive in the job market. A recent study by QS found that European employers rank international experience as the second most important factor when recruiting graduates, after relevant work experience.
Europe offers a wide range of education options, from vocational training to doctoral programs, and everything in between. With over 4,000 higher education institutions, Europe has something for everyone.Â
Whether you want to pursue a degree in business, management, communication, engineering, the arts, or any other field, you’re sure to find a program that suits your needs.
France, for example, is home to some of the world’s top business schools, such as HEC Paris, TBS Education as well as renowned universities such as Sorbonne University and École Polytechnique making it an attractive destination for students.You should take a look at our article Why study in France?
Many European universities offer interdisciplinary programs, allowing you to combine different areas of study to create a personalized learning experience.
Tuition fees in Europe for a Bachelor or a Master degree are generally lower than in other popular study destinations like the US and Australia.Â
Furthermore, many European countries offer scholarships and grants to international students. In France, for example, the Eiffel Scholarship provides full funding for Master’s and PhD programs to outstanding international students. Similarly, the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals cover tuition fees and living expenses for master’s students.
In addition, many European countries allow international students to work while studying, providing an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and offset some of the costs of living.
Europe is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse languages, and vibrant arts scene. Studying in Europe provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in this cultural richness, whether it’s visiting famous museums and galleries, attending music festivals and theater performances, or sampling local cuisine.
Whether it’s a weekend trip to Paris, a ski vacation in the Alps, or a summer internship in Barcelona, studying in Europe offers a wealth of travel opportunities.
Europe is known for its rich cultural and linguistic diversity. With over 200 languages spoken across the continent, studying in Europe provides an opportunity to learn a new language or improve your language skills.
In addition, Europe is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or music, Europe has something to offer.
TBS Education is a top-ranked business school located in the heart of Europe. With campuses in Toulouse, Paris, and Barcelona, TBS Education offers a multicultural learning experience that prepares students for a global career.
The school is consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe and worldwide, according to various rankings such as the Financial Times and QS World University Rankings.
TBS Education is known for its innovative teaching methods and its commitment to developing responsible and ethical leaders. With a focus on experiential learning, TBS Education provides students with real-world experience through internships, consulting projects, and study abroad programs.
Offering a wide range of programs in management, finance, marketing and many other fields, TBS Education is an ideal choice for students looking to start building their professional career.
Here are some more reasons to come to TBS Education for your studies:
Finally, choosing to study in Europe provides a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. With its diverse range of education options, low tuition fees, travel opportunities, cultural richness, and top-ranked institutions like TBS Education, Europe is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their education and career prospects.
Are you enrolled at TBS Education and now preparing to travel to France? There might be a few topics on which you’d like more information. If that is the case, feel free to join the International Student Office pre-arrival webinars!
The TBS International Student Office (ISO) has for main mission to help international students with their arrival and integration in France and at TBS Education. You can find sessions on different topics available below 👇. Pick your session, register and get the link to connect live with the ISO team or partners (feel free to prepare any questions on the session’s theme to ask them during Q&A time 😉).
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Having an issue with the time or need to information on a specific topic? Feel free to email the International Student Office (ISO)!