🇬🇧 London vs 🇫🇷 Lyon
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇬🇧
London
United Kingdom
$3,015–$4,774/mo
£2,374 – £3,759 / month (local)
🇫🇷
Lyon
France
$2,154–$3,410/mo
€1,994 – €3,157 / month (local)
London is 40% more expensive
Lyon wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | London (USD) | Lyon (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,262–$3,518 | $1,615–$2,513 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,194–$1,885 | $853–$1,346 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Utilities | $94–$182 | $67–$130 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Groceries | $477–$716 | $341–$512 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $63–$113 | $45–$81 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Public transport (monthly) | $119–$144 | $85–$103 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Internet & Mobile | $38–$63 | $27–$45 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Gym membership | $44–$82 | $31–$58 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Cinema ticket | $18–$23 | $13–$16 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,015–$4,774 | $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
Housing2.8 / 10 · 4.5 / 10
London
Lyon▲ better
Safety8.1 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
London
Lyon▲ better
Healthcare8.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
London▲ better
Lyon
Education7.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
London▲ better
Lyon
Environment8.5 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
London▲ better
Lyon
Economy6.8 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
London▲ better
Lyon
Culture7.4 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
London▲ better
Lyon
Internet7.8 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
London▲ better
Lyon
Who should choose which city?
Choose London if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what London offers vs Lyon
- ✓Global finance
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose Lyon if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than London
- ✓Food capital
- ✓Pharma
- ✓Rhône
- ✓Biotech
You might also like…
📊
Full London guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore London →📊
Full Lyon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lyon →