Have you ever stood in a place so enchanting that it felt like it was calling your name? For one 41-year-old American woman, that place was Paris. She didn’t just visit the City of Light—she packed her bags, left behind a high-flying corporate job, and built a life there on $3,633 a month. This isn’t just a story about moving abroad; it’s about chasing dreams, finding joy, and redefining what success looks like. Let me take you through her journey, from the moment Paris stole her heart to the bold steps she’s taking to live life on her own terms.
From Corporate Burnout to Parisian Dreams
Imagine working as a high-powered lawyer, earning a six-figure salary, yet feeling utterly unfulfilled. That was her reality in Washington, D.C. She was pulling in $286,656 a year, but the grind of corporate life left her soul weary. “I was miserable,” she admits, reflecting on long hours and a career that didn’t spark joy. Her first trip to Paris in 2017 changed everything. The city’s charm—the cobblestone streets, the aroma of fresh croissants, the hum of life—felt like a warm embrace. She knew instantly: this was home.
But knowing and doing are two different things, aren’t they? It took three years of return visits, careful planning, and a leap of faith to make the move. In 2020, she quit her job, broke her lease, and landed in Paris just before the world shut down due to the pandemic. Talk about timing! Yet, that chaotic moment became her launchpad for a new chapter.
Navigating the Cost of Living in Paris
Living in Paris isn’t cheap, but it’s doable if you’re strategic. Her monthly budget of $3,633 covers rent, utilities, and a lifestyle that balances practicality with small indulgences. Let’s break it down:
- Rent: $2,540 for a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in the heart of Paris.
- Utilities and Essentials: $1,093 for internet, electricity, gas, private health insurance, groceries, and a Navigo transportation card.
- Cultural Perks: $145–$195 annually for museum passes, including a Louvre subscription.
- Guarantor Service: $1,252 yearly to secure her rental agreement.
When she first arrived, she opted for short-term rentals before settling into a one-bedroom for $1,815 a month. Her current apartment, though pricier, offers more space—a must for her growing dreams. Setting up the unfurnished apartment wasn’t cheap either. She spent $5,000 on kitchen essentials and another $10,000 to make the space her own. It’s a reminder that moving abroad often comes with upfront costs, but for her, every penny was worth it.
“Paris gave me the space to breathe and dream again. It’s not just a city—it’s a mindset.”
– Anonymous expat
A New Home, A New Mindset
Moving to Paris during a global lockdown sounds daunting, right? But she describes it as oddly liberating. The world slowed down, and so did her expectations. “Everyone was confused, so I didn’t feel alone in figuring it out,” she says. The empty streets of Paris felt like a blank canvas, giving her time to reflect and plan. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, life’s biggest disruptions can lead to the most profound growth.
In my experience, there’s something magical about starting over in a new place. It’s not just about the scenery—it’s about who you become. For her, Paris wasn’t just a destination; it was a chance to shed the weight of a life that no longer fit. She began to see herself not as a lawyer, but as a creator, a dreamer, and someone unafraid to take risks.
Chasing a Fashion Dream
Perhaps the most inspiring part of her story is her pivot to fashion. Back in D.C., she’d walk around her office building, daydreaming about launching her own brand. Now, she’s making it happen. With $200,000 from her business account and $70,000 from personal savings, she’s funding Adriel Felise, her fashion line set to launch in 2026. Her goal? A 10-piece collection that celebrates bold, authentic style—especially for Black and Brown women.
“I used to hide my love for fashion,” she confesses. “It felt frivolous compared to law. But now, I’m all in.” That shift in mindset is what makes her story so compelling. She’s not just living in Paris—she’s building a legacy. Her income from content creation supplements her savings, giving her the financial runway to chase this dream without looking back.
“Your dreams don’t have an expiration date. Start when you’re ready, but start.”
– Career coach
The Realities of Renting in Paris
Renting in Paris comes with its quirks. Her two-bedroom apartment, while dreamy, started at $2,319 and crept up to $2,540. Unfurnished rentals meant she had to invest in basics like a stove and washing machine—costs that add up fast. She’s now eyeing homeownership, frustrated by the rental grind. “I need more space, and I want a dog,” she says, dreaming of a golden retriever romping in a countryside backyard.
Two years ago, she explored buying a home but found the market overpriced. Now, with advice from friends who’ve navigated Paris’s real estate scene, she’s ready to try again. It’s a bold move, but isn’t that what her journey’s all about? Taking risks, learning, and pushing forward.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Rent | $2,540 | Two-bedroom apartment |
| Utilities & Essentials | $1,093 | Includes internet, insurance, groceries |
| Museum Passes | $12–$16 | Annual cost divided monthly |
| Guarantor Service | $104 | Annual cost divided monthly |
Why Paris, and Why Now?
Why leave a cushy job for the uncertainty of expat life? For her, it was about authenticity. “I couldn’t keep holding my tongue in corporate America,” she says. Paris offered freedom—not just from a job, but from a life that felt like a cage. The city’s slower pace, its celebration of art and culture, gave her room to breathe and create.
I’ve always believed that where you live shapes who you are. Paris, with its blend of history and modernity, seems to have unlocked something in her. She’s not just surviving on $3,633 a month—she’s thriving, building a life that aligns with her values. And isn’t that what we’re all chasing, in some way?
Lessons from an Expat’s Journey
Her story isn’t just about moving to Paris—it’s a blueprint for anyone craving change. Here are a few takeaways:
- Listen to Your Gut: If a place or a dream calls to you, don’t ignore it. Her first trip to Paris planted a seed that grew into a new life.
- Plan, but Be Flexible: Moving during a pandemic wasn’t ideal, but she adapted. Sometimes, the timing isn’t perfect, but the leap is worth it.
- Invest in Yourself: From furnishing her apartment to funding her fashion line, she’s poured money and heart into her vision.
- Embrace the Unknown: Paris taught her that uncertainty can be a gift, not a burden.
She wishes she’d had the courage to move sooner, maybe even during law school. But I think there’s beauty in her timing. Sometimes, you need to hit rock bottom in one life to build a better one. Her story reminds me that it’s never too late to rewrite your script.
What’s Next for Her Parisian Adventure?
Five years into her Parisian life, she’s not looking back. The U.S. feels like a distant memory, a chapter closed. She’s focused on growing Adriel Felise, aiming to raise $2 million for her fashion launch. Her vision is clear: inspire others, especially women of color, to chase their dreams boldly. “It doesn’t matter when you start,” she says. “Just go for it.”
She’s also dreaming of a countryside home, a place where her future dog can roam free. It’s a small dream, maybe, but it’s hers. And in a city as vibrant as Paris, those dreams feel within reach. Her story isn’t just about living abroad—it’s about living authentically, wherever you are.
“Happiness isn’t a destination—it’s a choice you make every day.”
– Life coach
Her journey makes you wonder: what’s holding you back from your own Paris? Maybe it’s not a city, but a dream, a career, or a new way of living. Her story is proof that with courage, a budget, and a bit of grit, you can make it happen. So, what’s your next step?
