Cost of Living in Lyon, France
France · Europe
$2,600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
74
Cost Index
NYC=100
68
Rent Index
NYC=100
80
Quality of Life
Excellent
54
Safety Index
Moderate
0.5M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $15 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $60 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $4.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5 |
| Cappuccino | $3.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.1 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $9 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.9 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2.6 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.85 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.9 |
| Monthly Pass | $74 |
| Taxi 1km | $2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $27000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22500 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $170 |
| Mobile Plan | $21 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $34 |
| Fitness Club/month | $50 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,100/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $780/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,300/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,500/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $5,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 3.5% |
Cost of Living in Lyon — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Lyon, France is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Lyon has a cost index of 74, making it around 26% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Lyon costs around $780/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,100/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,300/month. The rent index is 68 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Lyon scores 80/100 on the quality of life index and 54/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 87/100. The climate index is 78/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Lyon is approximately $2,500/month. With a purchasing power index of 72/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Lyon
The average monthly salary in Lyon is approximately $2,500. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 72/100.
Healthcare Costs in Lyon
Healthcare quality in Lyon is rated 87/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Lyon
Lyon has a quality of life score of 80/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Lyon
Students living in Lyon should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Lyon
Expats moving to Lyon often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Lyon, France is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 74 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Lyon
Living in Lyon offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 74 and a quality of life score of 80/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $2,500 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Lyon provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in France and around the world.
Key Facts About Lyon
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,600
- Cost Index: 74
- Rent Index: 68
- Average Salary: $2,500
- Quality of Life: 80/100
- Safety Score: 54/100
- Country: France
- Currency: EUR
Is Lyon Expensive?
Lyon has a cost index of 74 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Lyon compare to other cities?
Lyon is located in Europe with a population of approximately 0.5M. At a cost index of 74 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Lyon stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lyon?
The average cost of living in Lyon, France is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 74 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Lyon?
Rent in Lyon varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 68 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Lyon alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Lyon expensive to live in?
Lyon has a cost index of 74 compared to New York City (100). At 74, Lyon is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,600.
What is the quality of life in Lyon?
Lyon has a quality of life index of 80/100 and a safety index of 54/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Lyon compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Lyon with any city worldwide. Lyon's cost index is 74 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Lyon?
Many residents live comfortably in Lyon with a monthly budget of around $2,600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Lyon good for expats?
Lyon is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Lyon?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Lyon.
Is Lyon cheaper than New York?
Yes, Lyon has a cost index of 74 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Lyon?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Lyon.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Lyon
Cheapest Ways to Live in Lyon
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Lyon typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $780/month compared to $1,100/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Lyon, France.
Is Lyon Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 72/100 and a quality of life score of 80/100, Lyon is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 74 relative to New York City, Lyon remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living France has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Lyon Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Lyon", "Lyon monthly expenses 2026", and "is Lyon affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,600, a safety score of 54/100, and healthcare rated 87/100, Lyon offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to France.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026