DREAM OF LIVING IN PARIS? THIS 9m2, $500 'STUDIO' WILL MAKE YOU THINK AGAIN

Newsweek Exclusive Feature

If the Olympics and "Emily In Paris" have you dreaming of the French capital, you need to see inside this small apartment.

Living in Paris is a dream for many, but the reality of its housing market can be startling.

Natalia Vega, a young woman from Peru, has taken the internet by storm after showing around her minuscule apartment in the French capital, in a now-viral video. The reel, shared to Instagram on July 2, has gained significant attention, drawing interest amid the buzz surrounding the 2024 Olympic Games and the return of Netflix's Emily in Paris.

Vega, who goes by the handle @natalia_vegaj, told viewers that her studio is a mere 9 square meters, or about 97 square feet, and is located in Paris' prestigious 7th arrondissement—home to the Eiffel Tower, perhaps France's most recognizable landmark.

"I'm studying communications in Paris and my school has a database for housing, so it was really easy for me to rent the apartment," Vega told Newsweek. "Since those kinds of places are for students, I didn't mind taking it because I tend to spend the whole day at school and I just go there to sleep."

She added: "Despite the apartment being 9 square meters, I have my own toilet, washing machine and even a kitchen. Sometimes, those renting these types of rooms, known in France as chambre de bonnes, have to share toilets, don't have washing machines or even kitchenettes."

Vega, who creates content in her free time, pays €485 monthly for this compact living space, which equates to almost $530. The video acts as a tour of her entire living arrangement. It includes a single tiny bed pushed against the wall, a one-unit kitchen which stands next to the bed, a cupboard, a small bathroom with a shower and sink, and a kitchen counter that doubles up as a desk. A window is situated right above Vega's bed, providing a scant amount of natural light.

When asked by a friend how she lives in such a small space, Vega said that she "does not know." Despite her on-camera transparency, the part-time creator and full-time student has been living in the tiny apartment for two years. She is currently in the final year of her degree studies.

From left: Natalia Vega sits outdoors at a picnic in Paris, and shows off her tiny apartment. The student lives in the 7th arrondissement and pays just over $500 per month for her compact home. Credit: @NATALIA_VEGAJ

Paris' Property Market

The video has left viewers around the world stunned, highlighting the severe constraints and costs associated with living in one of the world's most desirable cities.

Paris' property market is notoriously difficult, with high demand and limited supply driving up prices considerably. According to recent data, the average price per square meter in Paris can range from €10,000 to €13,000 [$10,900 to $14,200], depending on the arrondissement. Districts such as the 1st, 4th and 7th, where Vega lives, tend to be on the pricier side due to their prestigious addresses.

Paris has long been known for its cramped living conditions, particularly for young professionals and students. The type of apartment that Vega rents is known as a "chambre de bonne," and is traditionally kept as a small room meant for domestic staff in well-heeled Parisian households. These rooms are typically located in the attics of old buildings in middle-class neighborhoods, and are characterized by their minimal space and basic amenities.

Living Small in Paris

Vega's reel not only showcases her tiny apartment but also reflects the broader reality of Paris living. While the city offers unparalleled cultural and historical experiences, the living conditions can be less than ideal for many. The cost of renting even the smallest spaces remains high, reflecting the premium placed on residing in such a globally significant location.

Despite the challenges, Vega appears to embrace her unique living situation with a sense of humor and practicality. Her video captures her making the most of her small space, using multifunctional furniture, colorful décor and creative storage solutions to navigate daily life in her tiny studio.

This adaptability has resonated with some of the reel's 35.9 million viewers, who admire her ability to thrive in such a compact environment. Others have voiced their shock at the size of her current home.

"She doesn't live in Paris, she survives," one viewer posted.

Another added: "Huge respect for being transparent with her apartment."

"Well that was depressing," a third Instagram user said.

"No windows? That should be illegal," another wrote. In fact, there is a small window above Vega's bed that had been covered by a lowered curtain during the filming of the clip.

While one viewer said: "I think a jail cell has more room."

Vega's video has sparked a broader conversation in the comments section about urban living and the challenges faced by residents in major cities around the world. While her situation is extreme, it is not uncommon in cities with high property values and limited housing availability.

The creator's experience serves as a stark reminder of the often harsh realities of achieving the dream of living in the French capital. Vega's studio apartment challenges the romanticized notion of Parisian life, shedding light on the compromises and creativity required to make it work in one of the world's most-coveted cities.

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