🇫🇷 Lyon vs 🇮🇹 Milan
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇫🇷
Lyon
France
$2,154–$3,410/mo
€1,994 – €3,157 / month (local)
🇮🇹
Milan
Italy
$2,585–$4,092/mo
€2,394 – €3,789 / month (local)
Milan is 20% more expensive
Lyon wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Lyon (USD) | Milan (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,615–$2,513 | $1,938–$3,015 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $853–$1,346 | $1,023–$1,615 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Utilities | $67–$130 | $81–$156 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Groceries | $341–$512 | $409–$614 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $45–$81 | $54–$97 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Public transport (monthly) | $85–$103 | $102–$124 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Internet & Mobile | $27–$45 | $32–$54 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Gym membership | $31–$58 | $38–$70 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$16 | $15–$19 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,154–$3,410 | $2,585–$4,092 | 🟢 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
Housing4.5 / 10 · 4.2 / 10
Lyon▲ better
Milan
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Lyon▲ better
Milan
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Lyon
Milan▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Lyon
Milan▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Lyon
Milan▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Lyon
Milan▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Lyon
Milan▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Lyon
Milan▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Lyon if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Milan
- ✓Food capital
- ✓Pharma
- ✓Rhône
- ✓Biotech
Choose Milan if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Milan offers vs Lyon
- ✓Fashion
- ✓Finance
- ✓Trains to Alps
- ✓Luxury
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Full Lyon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lyon →📊
Full Milan guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Milan →