Parisian rents are increasing twice as fast as rents in the provinces, which encourages the rental of shared accommodation. On average, a shared room in intramural Paris will be 25% cheaper than renting a studio, but above all will allow you to live in a “decent” apartment , large and often prettier than a basic studio… Added to this are all the advantages of living with a roommate , which can be found in our “Colocation” section!
The number of joint tenancies is constantly increasing in Paris and they represent 7% of Parisian housing assistance recipients, ie a proportion twice as high as in the provinces (Source: ADIL report).
Finding a roommate in Paris
Finding accommodation in Paris is particularly difficult because offers are rarer than requests. Only the best files will be able to access studio rentals because the lessors have the choice among the candidates.
Colocation is a mode of rental that can be more flexible because most landlords are individuals who often require less guarantees than agencies. In addition, shared accommodation – which previously had a bad reputation – is growing because it also offers advantages to landlords. On the one hand, large apartments find fewer candidates, on the other owners can reassure themselves with the multiplication of income and guarantors for roommates. Consequence: the average search time for a roommate in Paris is 29 days, which is relatively short compared to the average search time for a studio rental.
Bobo district: République and the Marais
A few steps from the Marais, République is one of the centers of the Parisian transport network. Perfectly located between the Marais and the Canal St Martin, République is the ideal district for dynamic young people who like to be at the center of the city’s activity. The only disadvantage: the rent for the studios! Flatshares remain fairly affordable in this area. You can go as far as the Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est district, on the side of the Canal Saint Martin, the prices will be more advantageous and some places – such as the Château d’eau for example – are on the rise in “trendiness”!
Lively districts: Pigalle and Batignolles
From Montmartre to Batignolles, Paris made up of small villages is full of charm with its perched streets, its steeples and many restaurants and cafes which make it a very pleasant place. The main advantage of this district is that the price of rents is relatively affordable and that many roommate offers are available for this district. The Batignolles district, much less touristy than Montmartre, will be very popular for its many shops and its charm. However, these neighborhoods remain rather expensive.
In the same kind of price and atmosphere, you can turn to the 11th arrondissement and its districts like Belleville, Ménilmontant and Oberkampf.
Less expensive and student districts: Along Boulevard Ornano and the Canal de l’Ourc.
Starting from Barbès and going to the Simplon metro station, you will find roommate offers at good prices in these areas. The popular side of Château Rouge or Marcadet Poissonnier makes them lively districts, full of bars and cafés which are gradually invaded by a more “bobo” population. Another advantage: the proximity of Pigalle, Montmartre, Jules Joffrin… And a relatively good public transport service. By staying along line 4, you will be in Chatelet in less than 20 min.
The Canal de l’Ourc, in the continuity of the Canal Saint Martin, flows from Jaurès to La Villette. Again, it is possible to find good deals. On the side of the Stalingrad and Corentin Cariou metros, you will find rents among the lowest in Paris. On the other side, Laumière, Ourc etc. metros, the rents will be a little higher, but the area is probably nicer, thanks in particular to the proximity of the Buttes Chaumonts park. In both cases, try to be close to the Canal – very lively when the weather is nice. Of course, the huge La Villette complex right next door is a significant asset!
For even tighter budgets
Remember to look in the inner suburbs: Montreuil, Les Lilas, Pantin… These neighborhoods are now lively and well served, for an unbeatable price! The gates of Paris (St Ouen, Clignancourt, de Clichy, but also to the south: Porte d’Orléans or d’Italie) respond to the same logic: Paris is not that big, getting out of the way can be worth it. In general, if your budget is tight, you will have to aim for large flatshares: the more rooms there are in an apartment, the lower the rent for each one will be. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, for example you can also look at the 13th arrondissement around Tolbiac, also affordable…
In the end, your choice will depend on your place of study, your budget, but also on the opportunities available to you: it is sometimes better to choose an apartment that you really like, even if it is not exactly located there. where you expected. In general, take a stroll through all these neighborhoods, at different times of the day and times of the week to capture the atmosphere and find out – if you have the choice, unfortunately this is not always the case – if you will feel your house !
Tips and tricks for an effective search, more legal information on housing assistance or the deposit and the lease , or even advice for living well with a roommate, MaPiaule accompanies you at every stage of your collective life!
