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Lyon, France
Capital City

Follows France Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,200
Retiree Score
91.0
Safety Index
66.8
Healthcare
230 facilities

The population of Lyon proper is just over 520,000, but the broader metropolitan area is home to over 2.3 million - a population density that can make navigating the city's bureaucratic labyrinth a persistent headache. Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with winter temperatures occasionally plummeting as low as -24.6°C. However, the city's rich gastronomic heritage, historic architecture, and world-class cultural institutions make it an alluring destination for those seeking an urbane European experience outside the shadow of Paris.

Can I afford Lyon?

$

Lyon

You could save

800/mo

Savings Rate27%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,100
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,100

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
27/100
Retiree Score
(i)
91/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets France Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
67
Safety
230
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$3
Chicken (1kg) *$14

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$17
Meal (Mid-range) $128
Cappuccino $4
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $280
Mobile Plan (mo) $14
Gym (mo) *$43
Cinema Ticket $15

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $1,100
1BR Outside (mo) *$695
3BR Center (mo) $2,050
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,250

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Croix-Rousse, Presqu'île, Vieux Lyon
Best For
foodies, professionals

Expat Life Notes

The culinary capital of France offers a world-class lifestyle at a far more manageable price than Paris.

Pros

  • ✓ World-best gastronomy
  • ✓ Excellent public transport
  • ✓ Beautiful heritage

Cons

  • ✗ French proficiency highly expected
  • ✗ Tight housing market
  • ✗ Social circles can be hard to penetrate

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
1°C°C - 28°C°C
Annual Rainfall
945 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Bastia, FranceLiving in Bastia, France offers Mediterranean port life at lower costs, but requires French skills and tolerance for seasonal crowds. Ideal for EU retirees or dMontceau, FranceLiving in Montceau, France offers a quiet, affordable lifestyle in post-industrial Burgundy. Ideal for retirees or FIRE seekers fluent in French.Markham, CanadaLiving in Markham, Canada offers a tech-driven suburban lifestyle near Toronto. High rents and corporate focus make it best for professionals, not FIRE seekers.Squamish, CanadaLiving in Squamish, Canada offers outdoor adventure and proximity to Vancouver, but high rents make it a pricey FIRE option despite its natural appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Lyon

Click any question to expand the answer.

Lyon has a population of approximately 519,127 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,750 per month in Lyon, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1100/month.

The nearest airport to Lyon is LFLL, approximately 20km away.

Lyon is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 66.8. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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