Monthly Breakdown for Digital Nomads, Hybrid Workers, and Travellers.

I’ll be honest — my last trip to Europe wasn’t great. But this time, I came to Paris for a friend’s wedding and decided to stay for a full month as a solo traveler. And… surprise – I really enjoyed it. From the walkable streets to affordable lunch deals and the occasional sunset by the Seine — Paris was far more liveable than I expected. I kept cautious, made sure my Airbnb was on a well-lit main street, and got to enjoy the city more because of it.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD2,600
→ A few bus stops away from a main train hub. If you’re staying a while, grab a Navigo transport pass (available to tourists too!).
🍽️ Food: <SGD80/day
→ Restaurant lunches + cafes = chef’s kiss.
🚕 Transport: SGD400
→ Skipped the monthly Navigo pass (since I arrived mid-month), but used the weekly version.
💄 Personal Expenses: ~SGD600
→ Shopping, massages, grooming, etc.

Total: ~SGD6,080 (excluding activities)

📌 Spent freely but could’ve done it under SGD3,500 with tighter budgeting.

🏡 Where to Stay in Paris: Best Mid-Range Options

I didn’t realise Paris was divided into numbered “arrondissements” until a kind local explained it. Here are a few worth considering:

✔️ 1st Arrondissement – Near Châtelet–Les Halles. Major metro hub + loads of cafes.
✔️ Paris Centre (2nd, 3rd, 4th) – A great mix of heritage and hip.
✔️ 7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Tower views + high-end shopping.

🏠 Airbnb or Hotel?

✅ Airbnb: Best for longer stays and flexibility. Look for places along main roads or near metro stations for peace of mind.
✅ Hotels: Great for short visits, but often pricier.

📌 Paris is walkable, but check reviews and metro access before booking.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Paris (SGD80/day)

Yes, food in Paris can get expensive. But there’s a secret weapon: weekday lunch sets.

My regulars:

✔️ Le P’tit Bistrot – Killer steak frites and a view of Saint Jacques Tower.
✔️ Bistro des Lettres – I came back almost every day. The lunch menu? A dream.
✔️ Bouillon – Can be hit or miss, but some locations with online reservations saved me hours of queuing.

📌 Budget tip: Lunch sets = full-course meals for the price of dinner mains.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD400 for the Month)

Paris has a reliable metro and bus system. Just… plan ahead:

✔️ Navigo Weekly Pass (Monday–Sunday)
✔️ Single-use tickets for gaps
✔️ Ubers for late nights or Rennes return trip

📌 Monthly passes must start on the 1st of the month — timing is key.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ SIMBA SuperRoam plan worked great for mobile data.
✔️ Airbnb WiFi was stable enough for video calls.
✔️ Need a workspace? Try Café Craft or Anticafé, where you pay for time, not coffee.

🎟️ Activities and Side Trips from Paris

🗼 Walk along the Seine + Eiffel Tower at night
Paris’s magic is free — especially when the tower sparkles.

🎄 Day Trip to Rennes
I went for a friend’s wedding, but the town itself is charming and crowd-free.

🛕 Museum Hopping (Free First Sundays!)

Don’t miss the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay if you’re in town during the first weekend.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD6,080 Worth It?

✔️ Yes — if you value food, culture, and solo wandering, Paris is magic.
✔️ You can do it for ~SGD3,000–4,000/month on a budget.
✔️ The trick is: stay smart, walk lots, and take advantage of lunch menus (and visit the bathrooms at the restaurants and cafes as free, clean public bathrooms are hard to find).

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Solo travelers who romanticize walks and pastries
• Digital nomads who love museums and wine over WiFi
• Food lovers looking for authentic bistro vibes