We Calculated the Cost of Living Like ‘Emily in Paris,’ and It Is Insane
Watching Emily flit through Paris in designer heels might feel like a harmless fantasy, but someone actually ran the numbers, and they’re not pretty. Between rent, cocktails, and a closet full of high-fashion statements, her lifestyle burns through cash at a rate that would alarm most accountants. Here’s a reality check on what it really takes to live like Netflix’s most cheerful expat.
Wardrobe Expenses Outpace Everything Else
Credit: IMDb
Emily’s outfits are meticulously styled, often straight off the runway. According to the breakdown, her yearly clothing and accessory haul rings up to over €73,000. That includes a Vassilis Zoulias jacket alone, worth €52,000. Most of her looks come from Valentino, Balmain, and Christian Louboutin.
Renting Her Latin Quarter Apartment Isn’t Cheap
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The Place de l’Éstrapade location is not a budget pick. Living in a 900-square-foot furnished apartment in that part of Paris costs around €2,659 per month, totaling over €31,900 per year. That’s for rent alone—not including utilities or upkeep. It’s the kind of setup usually reserved for execs.
Cocktails Twice a Week Add Up Quickly
Credit: IMDb
She’s rarely seen without a drink in hand, usually a chic, overpriced one. At an average cost of €12 per cocktail in a downtown Paris bar, her twice-weekly habit totals roughly €1,248 annually. It’s not the biggest budget line, but it’s a steady drip of spending that adds up fast when paired with her other entertainment habits.
Her Dinner Routine Could Fund a Vacation
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Dining out twice a week in mid-range Parisian restaurants would cost her about €60 per meal. That means over €3,100 each year just to enjoy regular three-course dinners. And that’s assuming she sticks to reasonably priced places, which, judging by the show, might be an understatement.
Taxi Rides Replacing Public Transit Get Pricey
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Emily doesn’t seem to be a fan of the Metro, considering she regularly opts for taxis. Going back and forth from work each weekday (around 6km total) at €1.82 per km racks up to more than €2,800 annually. Convenience has its price, especially when you skip the cheapest form of transportation in a very walkable city.
Daily Cappuccinos Become a Luxury
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Grabbing a morning cappuccino is routine for Emily. The average Parisian cappuccino costs €3.66. Multiply that by five mornings a week for 52 weeks, and that’s €219.60 spent annually on coffee. It’s a small comfort, but for someone with tight finances, that’s a few pairs of shoes or a flight back home.
Utility Bills Don’t Care About Instagram Likes
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Rent is just the start—utilities tack on another €2,285 each year, based on Paris averages. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. The apartment’s charm doesn’t make it immune to basic costs. While it may not be the flashiest expense in her budget, it’s one of the most unavoidable.
Health Insurance Isn’t Optional in France
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Emily, as a U.S. expat in France, would need valid health coverage. While France’s universal healthcare system is generous, international residents often use supplementary insurance. Basic coverage could cost upwards of €600 to €1,000 per year, depending on age and plan. It’s a necessary expense—one the show never touches.
Instagram Doesn’t Pay for Museum Tickets
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Cultural outings aren’t always free. A handful of museum visits or gallery events can average €15 per visit. If she visits just two per month, that’s an extra €360 a year. For someone so immersed in art and design, skipping those outings wouldn’t match her character—but they don’t come free, either.
Her Salary Doesn’t Stand a Chance
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Despite her high-end lifestyle, Emily’s estimated salary as a Marketing Executive in Paris is only around €42,000 a year. That falls significantly short of covering her total expenses, which exceed €100,000 annually according to multiple sources. Even with no debt and zero savings, her paycheck wouldn’t stretch nearly far enough to live the life she showcases.