Looking for American Expats in Paris?

It is easy to fall in love with Paris. Getting used to daily life in France can take a little longer. Discover the good sides of living in the French capital and the common everyday challenges American residents can face.

Pros of life in Paris

Culture and food are a part of a normal life. Buying fresh bread, meeting friends in a cafe or walking through a new area can make ordinary day life feel special.

Health care can work very well. After learning how to find a doctor or use a local app, daily appointments become much easier.

A car is not necessary for most people. The underground system, buses, bikes, and walking can help you get around the city.

Paris is great for traveling. By using a fast train and short flights, you can travel to any other places in France and Europe.

Cons of life in Paris

Finding a flat can be difficult. Rent is high, homes are often small, and good apartments can disappear quickly. You may need patience and ideas about how much space the kitchen really needs.

French paperwork can feel confusing. Taxes, official letters, and local rules may take time to understand.

Visa planning takes time. Americans who want to stay longer than 90 days usually need to organize a long-stay visa before arriving.

Free refills are not always part of the experience. Iced coffee can be smaller, more expensive, and gone much faster than expected.

The metro has many stairs. Carrying a large American-style suitcase can quickly become an unexpected gym session.

For Americans, Paris delivers culture, food, healthcare, and a beautiful, walkable base for exploring Europe, at a calmer pace than home. The trade-offs are the paperwork, the housing costs, and a cooler social welcome. If lifestyle matters more to you than convenience, it's hard to beat.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys for expats — Expat Insider — where we ask people living around the world about every aspect of expat life. We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical American expat: what motivated them to move to a new country, what they enjoy about life abroad, as well as what they struggle with the most.

Where can I meet other Americans in Paris?

If you would like to meet other Americans in Paris, you can try The Moose, a Canadian-style sports bar near Odéon or Harry’s New York Bar located at 5, Rue Daunou, between the Avenue de l'Opéra and the Rue de la Paix., that are popular with Americans. You can go to the piano bar downstairs or have the usual lunch. These bars attract many American and English-speaking expats.

The American Club of Paris is another good option because it organizes social evenings, lunches and networking events for Americans and people who are interested in French-American culture.

You can also join groups on Meetup or Internations. These are also a great opportunity to meet Americans and other English-speaking expats in Paris. Our Newcomers’ Events are geared towards introducing newcomers to the community, which makes finding friends a whole lot easier than trying your luck in a bar.

Where do Americans live in Paris?

Quite a few of our American members live in the more international parts of town. Both international companies and opportunities for international socializing tend to be located in the center of the city. Here are some of the most popular parts of Madrid:

Le Marais: Popular among entrepreneurs, fashion designers, and influencers. Good walkability and packed with cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Great for expats seeking an elegant, walkable lifestyle. Central location and very prestige. The downside: it’s rather pricey.

Passy/Trocadéro: Family-friendly, best for children, easy access to schools.

Latin Quarter: Affordable rent, good for students.

How much money should I make to live in Paris?

The average salary for jobs in Paris is around 3,750-4,600 EUR per month (before taxes). If you’re making at least this amount, you can live comfortably here. However, if you have a family and kids to support, you might want to aim higher. Earning between 7,500-10,000 EUR gross per month is considered a good salary for a family.

Will I be able to survive in Paris without speaking French?

Paris is an international city that welcomes many American tourists, students and professionals every year. It is possible to get around with no or limited French, but it can sometimes feel limiting. You will usually face a language barrier when you need to complete official paperwork, find a flat, see a doctor, etc.

Ideally, treat your time in Paris as an opportunity to learn some French. There are many language schools to get you started. And these days there are language apps that allow you to improve in your own time and within budget.

We’re not just in Paris! InterNations has lively communities in 420 cities around the globe.

So if you’re thinking about moving to Paris or are simply in the mood for a nice night out while visiting, InterNations is your go-to platform. As a member, you’re welcome to join events in any of our InterNations Communities.