🇫🇮 Helsinki vs 🇫🇷 Lyon
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇫🇮
Helsinki
Finland
$2,523–$3,995/mo
€2,336 – €3,699 / month (local)
🇫🇷
Lyon
France
$2,154–$3,410/mo
€1,994 – €3,157 / month (local)
Helsinki is 17% more expensive
Lyon wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Helsinki (USD) | Lyon (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $1,615–$2,513 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $853–$1,346 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $67–$130 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $341–$512 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $45–$81 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $85–$103 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $27–$45 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $31–$58 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $13–$16 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $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
Housing5.2 / 10 · 4.5 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Lyon
Safety9.5 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Helsinki
Lyon▲ better
Healthcare7.8 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Helsinki
Lyon▲ better
Education7.4 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Helsinki
Lyon▲ better
Environment8.2 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Helsinki
Lyon▲ better
Economy8.2 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Lyon
Culture8.8 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Lyon
Internet9.2 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Lyon
Who should choose which city?
Choose Helsinki if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Helsinki offers vs Lyon
- ✓Education
- ✓Tech
- ✓Saunas
- ✓Gaming
Choose Lyon if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Helsinki
- ✓Food capital
- ✓Pharma
- ✓Rhône
- ✓Biotech
You might also like…
📊
Full Helsinki guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Helsinki →📊
Full Lyon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lyon →