🇨🇭 Geneva vs 🇫🇷 Lyon
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇨🇭
Geneva
Switzerland
$3,446–$5,456/mo
CHF3,077 – CHF4,871 / month (local)
🇫🇷
Lyon
France
$2,154–$3,410/mo
€1,994 – €3,157 / month (local)
Geneva is 60% more expensive
Lyon wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Geneva (USD) | Lyon (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,585–$4,021 | $1,615–$2,513 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,364–$2,154 | $853–$1,346 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Utilities | $108–$208 | $67–$130 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Groceries | $546–$818 | $341–$512 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $72–$129 | $45–$81 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Public transport (monthly) | $136–$165 | $85–$103 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Internet & Mobile | $43–$72 | $27–$45 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Gym membership | $50–$93 | $31–$58 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Cinema ticket | $20–$26 | $13–$16 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,446–$5,456 | $2,154–$3,410 | 🟢 Lyon |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing2.4 / 10 · 4.5 / 10
Geneva
Lyon▲ better
Safety8.7 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Geneva
Lyon▲ better
Healthcare8.7 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Geneva▲ better
Lyon
Education8.3 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Geneva▲ better
Lyon
Environment9.1 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Geneva▲ better
Lyon
Economy7.4 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Geneva▲ better
Lyon
Culture8.0 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Geneva▲ better
Lyon
Internet8.4 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Geneva▲ better
Lyon
Who should choose which city?
Choose Geneva if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Geneva offers vs Lyon
- ✓NGOs
- ✓Lake
- ✓International schools
- ✓Diplomacy
Choose Lyon if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Geneva
- ✓Food capital
- ✓Pharma
- ✓Rhône
- ✓Biotech
You might also like…
📊
Full Geneva guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Geneva →📊
Full Lyon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lyon →