All AnswersWhat are the living expenses for INSEAD MBA students, especially in Fontainebleau?
Asked by Rajeev D 6 months ago
Mechanical Engineer | Innovative Problem Solver | Dedicated Team Player
If you're planning to do your MBA at INSEAD's Fontainebleau campus, it’s smart to plan for around €30,000 for living expenses over the 10-month program. This includes basic costs like rent, food, transport, and phone bills.
On average, accommodation will cost around €11,000, meals about €6,000, local transport €750, and phone bills around €250. These are just the regular everyday expenses. If you plan to buy a laptop, go on study trips, or travel for job interviews, that’ll add a few more thousand euros.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
| Accommodation (with utilities) | €11,000 |
| Meals | €6,000 |
| Local Transport | €750 |
| Miscellaneous (books, personal) | €1,600 |
| Travel for Job Search / Exchange | €2,500 |
There are also optional costs like leasing a car (about €3,900), books, relocation, or travelling for career events. If you’re coming with a partner, you should plan for around 30% more in total.
So in simple words, €30,000 is the average cost for one person, but it can go up based on your lifestyle and extra plans. It’s a good idea to budget smartly so you can focus fully on your MBA journey.
Indeed, the living in Fontainebleau with INSEAD is unique. A little knowledge of how one influences the cost of living in the town, it being relatively small in size, will have some walking and biking, not spending a lot on transportation. It is preferred at times by one to spend his/her time without that trouble. Thus, €3,900 could rent a car for one.
It may differ from one student to another, but some take up private apartments, and some share houses to decrease expenses. You can minimize accommodation costs by renting with a flatmate. You also spend less on your meal budget when you cook at home compared to eating out frequently.
Extracurricular activities, social events, or travels during the break can be added to the total amount of expenses also. Personal preferences or lifestyles must be considered during the process of budget building for an MBA program. Being cognizant of these factors, you can mold your expenditures according to your financial needs while still having fun in INSEAD.
I would suggest for more information or any doubts, you can Book a Free Strategy Session to discuss with the experts.
The living expenses for INSEAD MBA students, especially in Fontainebleau, are an important part of planning for your time there. Fontainebleau, being a smaller town close to Paris, offers a unique balance between a peaceful study environment and access to city life. Generally, INSEAD students in Fontainebleau should plan for monthly expenses of around €1,200 to €2,000, depending on lifestyle choices and preferences.
Let’s break this down a bit. Accommodation is likely to be your biggest monthly cost. Many students choose shared housing or rentals in Fontainebleau itself, where you can expect to pay around €600 to €1,200 per month for a decent place. Shared accommodations or renting in nearby towns can sometimes reduce this cost, though it’s wise to consider commute time and convenience.
For food, you’ll have options ranging from groceries to dining out. If you prepare most meals yourself, budgeting around €300-€500 per month should cover your groceries comfortably. Eating out occasionally will cost more, as local restaurants can be pricey, especially in the town center or near the campus.
Transportation is relatively manageable since Fontainebleau is a compact town. Most students either walk or bike, reducing the need for public transport or a car. However, if you plan to visit Paris often, consider budgeting around €100 monthly for train travel. Additionally, setting aside some funds for entertainment and social events is essential, as INSEAD has an active student community. Around €150-€200 per month for outings, events, and gym or sports memberships should cover this.
In short, while the Fontainebleau campus offers a more affordable setting than central Paris, your lifestyle choices will ultimately shape your monthly budget. Planning in advance helps you manage these costs smoothly, giving you a clearer picture of life at INSEAD.
For more clarification required, you can book a free strategy session with our experts.
Master in Management Student at Georgetown University | Aspiring Business Leader with a Passion for Innovation and Strategy
Attending INSEAD's MBA program in Fontainebleau involves several living expenses beyond tuition. Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs:
- Accommodation: Renting an apartment or sharing a house typically costs around €11,000 for the 10-month program.
- Meals: Expect to spend approximately €6,000 on food during your stay.
- Local Transportation: If you choose to lease a car, budget about €3,900. Alternatively, public transport options are available, with a monthly pass costing around €74.80.
- Miscellaneous Expenses: This includes costs for books, relocation, and other personal needs, totaling about €1,600.
Field Trips and Travel: Participating in field trips and traveling for exchanges or job searches can add approximately €5,500 to your expenses.
In total, the estimated living expenses for a single student in Fontainebleau range from €26,080 to €29,980, depending on choices like car leasing. If you're bringing a partner or family, it's advisable to increase your budget by about 30% to accommodate additional costs.
Planning and considering these expenses will help ensure a smooth experience during your MBA journey at INSEAD.
Business analyst
According to what i have seen , a single participant can expect to incur the following basic expenses during the ten-month programe:
- Accommodation (including utilities and charges): €11,000
- Local Transport: €750.
- Meals: €6,000.
- Telephone: €250.
Optional expenses may include a car lease (€3,900), a laptop (€1,000), miscellaneous costs such as books and relocation expenses (€1,600), field trips (€3,000), and travel for exchange and job search (€2,500). If you're coming with a partner, you should increase your budget by approximately 30%.
Overall, the total average estimated expenses for a single participant are approximately €30,000.
Wondering how you can manage this big investment of INSEAD MBA? Read this BLOG to find out