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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Lyon 2024
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Lyon, France


Cost of Living in Lyon

By Betsy Burlingame

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Lyon helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Lyon is €1,000 to €1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. Outside of the city center, the cost of renting an apartment can be as low as €600 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Lyon is €3,000 to €4,000 per square meter. The cost of purchasing an apartment in the city center is higher than outside of the city center.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Lyon is €1.90 for a single ticket, €14 for a 10-ticket book, and €50 for a monthly pass. The cost of a taxi ride in Lyon is €2.50 for the first kilometer and €1.20 for each additional kilometer.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Lyon is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.20, and a dozen eggs costs €2.50. The cost of fruits and vegetables varies depending on the season.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Lyon varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs €7 to €10, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €15 to €20. A meal at a high-end restaurant can cost €30 or more.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Lyon is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is €0.15 per kilowatt-hour, and the average cost of water is €2.50 per cubic meter. The cost of internet and phone service varies depending on the provider.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Lyon varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is €400 to €600 per month, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is €800 to €1,000 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is €1,200 to €1,500 per month, and the average cost of high school tuition is €1,500 to €2,000 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Lyon

"Living in Lyon is generally considered to be very affordable, compared to other large French cities. Prices for food, rent, and transportation tend to be lower than in Paris. Basic one-bedroom apartments in the centre of the city usually cost around €800-900 per month, while monthly public transport tickets tend to be around €40-50. Depending on lifestyle, living costs in Lyon can range from €800-1500 per month," said one expat living in Lyon, France.

Can I live in Lyon on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Lyon for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Vaulx-en-Velin, Villeurbanne, or Bron. These neighborhoods are more affordable than the more central and trendy areas like Presqu'île, Vieux Lyon, or Croix-Rousse. You can find a small studio or a shared apartment in these areas for around $600-$800 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Lyon has a great public transportation system, and a monthly pass will cost you around $70. If you live close to your workplace, you can save money by walking or biking instead.When it comes to groceries, you can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi, and by cooking at home instead of eating out. Eating out in Lyon can be quite expensive, especially in the more touristy areas. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, look for local spots with affordable daily specials or fixed-price menus.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Lyon. You can visit the beautiful parks like Parc de la Tête d'Or or Parc de Gerland, or take advantage of the many free museums and galleries on the first Sunday of each month. There are also plenty of affordable bars and cafes where you can enjoy a drink with friends without breaking the bank.In terms of sacrifices, you'll likely have to live in a smaller space than you're used to, and you may need to share an apartment with roommates. You'll also need to be more conscious of your spending on things like eating out, shopping, and entertainment. But overall, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Lyon on $1,500 a month if you're willing to make some adjustments," commented an expat living in Lyon.

Can I live in Lyon on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Lyon for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Vaise, Villeurbanne, or Guillotière. These neighborhoods are more affordable than the more expensive areas like Presqu'île, Croix-Rousse, or the 6th arrondissement. When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment than you might be used to. Expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in an affordable neighborhood. You can save some money by sharing an apartment with a roommate, but that's up to your personal preference. As for transportation, Lyon has a great public transportation system, so you won't need a car. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $70, which is much cheaper than owning and maintaining a car. Plus, Lyon is a very walkable and bike-friendly city, so you can save even more by walking or biking to work or other destinations.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive in Lyon, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can also find some affordable restaurants and cafes in the less touristy neighborhoods, so you won't have to completely give up eating out.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, but there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Lyon. You can enjoy the city's many parks, take advantage of free museum days, or attend free events and festivals throughout the year. In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Lyon is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on eating out, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Lyon.

Can I live in Lyon on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Lyon for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can have a good quality of life here.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save some money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Vaise, Montchat, or Monplaisir. These areas are more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life and access to public transportation. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on rent, you can consider living in more upscale neighborhoods like the 6th arrondissement, Tête d'Or, or Confluence. These areas are more expensive, but they're also more central and offer a lot of amenities.As for transportation, Lyon has a great public transportation system, so you can save money by using the metro, tram, and buses instead of owning a car. A monthly public transportation pass costs around €60, which is quite affordable.When it comes to food, you can save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets or discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi. Eating out can be expensive, especially in touristy areas, but there are also plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes if you know where to look. For example, you can find good deals on lunch menus or try some of the more affordable ethnic restaurants in the city.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Lyon. You can enjoy the city's many parks, visit museums on their free admission days, or attend free concerts and events throughout the year. If you're into sports, you can also find affordable gym memberships or join local sports clubs.In conclusion, living in Lyon on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being smart about your food and entertainment choices, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Lyon.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

Lyon, France

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SJB Global

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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