🇫🇷 Lyon vs 🇩🇪 Munich
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇫🇷
Lyon
France
$2,154–$3,410/mo
€1,994 – €3,157 / month (local)
🇩🇪
Munich
Germany
$2,708–$4,287/mo
€2,507 – €3,969 / month (local)
Munich is 26% more expensive
Lyon wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Lyon (USD) | Munich (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,615–$2,513 | $2,031–$3,159 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $853–$1,346 | $1,072–$1,692 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Utilities | $67–$130 | $85–$164 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Groceries | $341–$512 | $429–$643 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $45–$81 | $56–$102 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Public transport (monthly) | $85–$103 | $107–$130 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Internet & Mobile | $27–$45 | $34–$56 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Gym membership | $31–$58 | $39–$73 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$16 | $16–$20 | 🟢 Lyon |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,154–$3,410 | $2,708–$4,287 | 🟢 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 · 3.3 / 10
Lyon▲ better
Munich
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Lyon
Munich
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Lyon
Munich
Education7.6 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Lyon
Munich
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Lyon
Munich
Economy6.7 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Lyon
Munich
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Lyon
Munich
Internet7.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Lyon
Munich
Who should choose which city?
Choose Lyon if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Munich
- ✓Food capital
- ✓Pharma
- ✓Rhône
- ✓Biotech
Choose Munich if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Munich offers vs Lyon
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Oktoberfest
- ✓Alps
- ✓Automotive
You might also like…
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Full Lyon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lyon →📊
Full Munich guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Munich →