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I'm an American who moved to Paris. Finding an apartment was like a full-time job — but I think I discovered the secret sauce.

Moriah CostaFeb 15, 2024, 00:21 IST

I've lived in Paris, France, for two years.Moriah Costa

I moved from the US to Paris two years ago, and finding an apartment here was stressful.
I applied to dozens of places and only got approved because the landlords knew one of my friends.

With over 11 million people living in the Paris metro area (the city and nearby suburbs), finding a house or apartment can be difficult.

But it's one of the most expensive places to live, which is part of the reason only 2.2 million live in the actual city.

My French husband and I have been living in the metro area for over two years, and we've been fortunate enough to stay in the same place. But getting our apartment wasn't easy.

Here's what it's really like to rent in or around Paris, from an American who's done it.

Searching for a place to rent was like a full-time job.

I've also lived in the US and Spain, and France was the hardest place to look for an apartment. Moriah Costa

We had to gather all our paperwork before we even set foot in a viewing.

The rental market in Paris is competitive, so you have to come prepared. Alexander Sorokopud/Shutterstock

We had to be prepared to drop three times the rent for the first month.

Some apartment buildings allow tenants to sign with guarantors to ensure rent will be paid. Moriah Costa

We ended up finding better value in the inner suburbs.

Central Paris is small, but there are more availabilities if you cast a wider net.Moriah Costa

Overall, I learned that renting in Paris is all about networking.

I recommend coming to Paris and looking at apartments in person. Moriah Costa

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