🇫🇷 Lyon vs 🇪🇸 Madrid
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇫🇷
Lyon
France
$2,154–$3,410/mo
€1,994 – €3,157 / month (local)
🇪🇸
Madrid
Spain
$2,092–$3,313/mo
€1,937 – €3,068 / month (local)
Lyon is 3% more expensive
Madrid wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Lyon (USD) | Madrid (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,615–$2,513 | $1,569–$2,441 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $853–$1,346 | $828–$1,308 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Utilities | $67–$130 | $65–$126 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Groceries | $341–$512 | $331–$497 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $45–$81 | $44–$78 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Public transport (monthly) | $85–$103 | $83–$100 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Internet & Mobile | $27–$45 | $26–$44 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Gym membership | $31–$58 | $31–$57 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$16 | $12–$16 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,154–$3,410 | $2,092–$3,313 | 🟢 Madrid |
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
Housing4.5 / 10 · 6.0 / 10
Lyon
Madrid▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Lyon▲ better
Madrid
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Lyon
Madrid▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Lyon
Madrid▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Lyon▲ better
Madrid
Economy6.7 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Lyon
Madrid▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Lyon
Madrid▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Lyon
Madrid▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Lyon if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Lyon offers vs Madrid
- ✓Food capital
- ✓Pharma
- ✓Rhône
- ✓Biotech
Choose Madrid if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Lyon
- ✓Lifestyle
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Nightlife
- ✓EU mobility
You might also like…
📊
Full Lyon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lyon →📊
Full Madrid guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Madrid →