Can't decide between a visit to the City of Light or the City That Never Sleeps? Maybe these numbers will help.
The cost of living in New York City is 30% higher than that of Paris, according to Expatisan, a website that calculates the price differences between living in different cities. But that includes the cost of renting an apartment, which is an average of 50% more in NYC. Instead, let's compare some of the prices that typical travelers pay. (Thinking of Tokyo instead? Read Travel Cost Comparison: New York Vs. Tokyo.)
[Note: Prices shown are in USD and are current as of February 2015, when the U.S. dollar was worth about .88 euros.]
From the Airport
New York: Three major airports serve the city. The farthest is in Newark, N.J., and by taxi you'll pay as much as $90 (including tolls and tip) to reach midtown Manhattan, a 16-mile trip. Bus is a better option: Olympia Newark Airport Express runs every 15 minutes and costs only $16 one-way or $28 round-trip. Or bypass the traffic and go by train: NJ Transit takes you right into Penn Station for $12.50.
Paris: Most international flights arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport. A taxi to the city center could cost you anywhere from $50 to $85, depending on traffic. The RER, a regional train network, is the cheapest way – $11 from CDG. If you have a lot of luggage, consider the Air France Bus (which serves all airlines); the fare starts at $19.
The Price to Sleep
New York: The average room rate travelers paid to stay at New York City hotels during the first half of 2014 was $263, according to the Hotel Price Index (HPI), which surveys hotel rates around the world. During the same time period, a five-star hotel room in New York averaged out at $496. (Of course, five-star means different things in different places.)
Paris: U.S. travelers paid $254 for a room in a Paris hotel during the first half of 2014. Paris is No. 6 on the list of top 10 cities where American travelers paid the most for five-star hotels: $507. However, budget travelers will be more comfortable in Paris than New York. HPI found that $127 would get you a room in a two-star hotel in Paris (in New York, that would get you a one-star).
Just for fun, HPI also posts a Club Sandwich Index, comparing prices for that room-service staple around the world. The latest listing places New York at No. 13 with a $17.99 triple-decker. Paris holds the No. 2 spot – a club sandwich sets you back $29.36. (No. 1? Geneva, at $32.60. Let's hope it's toasted.)
Getting Around
New York: The drop rate in a yellow cab is $2.50, plus 50 cents for each one-fifth of a mile. Surcharges are added during peak hours and after 8 p.m. Or grab a bus or subway ride for $2.50 – but that fare jumps to $2.75 on March 22, 2015.
Paris: The taxi fare starts around $3, and goes up by about $1.20 per kilometer, depending on the zone and time of day. There's a minimum charge of $8; tips are not expected. A ticket on the Metro (subway) costs $2.
Having a Bite
New York: Pick up a slice of surprisingly decent pizza for around $2.50 or less. According to Numbeo (which, like Expatisan, compares the cost of living in different cities), a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in New York costs an average of $75.
Paris: At some takeaway joints, you can watch a vendor make your crepe before your eyes. Prices start around $3 for a basic crepe; go for the Nutella.That three-course meal at a mid-range Paris restaurant will only cost $68 – i.e., less than in New York (and probably better).
Panoramic Views
New York: The best views are from the Empire State Building, where you'll pay $29 to take the elevator to the 86th-floor Observatory, or $46 to add in the top deck, 1,250 feet high on the 102nd floor. The wait is inevitably long, but on a clear day you can see 80 miles away. Last elevator up is at 1:15 a.m.
Paris: You'll spot most of the city's landmarks from the top deck of the 1,063-foot-high Eiffel Tower. The fare is $17.55 for the elevator ride to the viewing station, at 906 feet. It's open till midnight in summer, 11 p.m. the rest of the year. Book ahead to avoid a wait.
Don't-Miss Landmarks
New York: The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the world's largest cathedral, has been under construction since 1892. Suggested donation: $10.
Paris: Quasimodo's retreat, the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, was completed in the 14th century. Look for the flying buttresses, gargoyles and other Gothic details. Admission to the main hall is free.
To Take Back Home
New York: You'll get great value at a dollar store. (But really, do tube socks make a good souvenir?)
Paris: Nothing says Paris like a miniature Eiffel Tower. Pick one up from a vendor hanging around the Tower – with a bit of bargaining, you can get it for little more than $2.
The Bottom Line
Your money will go further in Paris – plus, you'll get to see one of the world's most beautiful and romantic cities. And you may not find a better croissant anywhere. On the other hand, nothing beats New York for its energy, its entertainment scene, and – let's face it – some pretty great restaurants. Your call.
(See also: Time Your Travel Abroad To The Exchange Rate and Hotels Vs. Airbnb For New York City Visitors.)
