Is Lyon an expensive city? Short answer: it depends… but let’s dig in
So, is Lyon expensive ? Honestly, that’s one of the first questions people type into Google when they consider moving here. And it makes sense. Lyon has this reputation : chic but not Paris, dynamic but still “livable”. The truth is more nuanced. Compared to smaller cities like Clermont-Ferrand or Saint-Étienne, yes, Lyon feels pricey. Compared to Paris ? It suddenly looks almost reasonable. Everything depends on where you live, how you live, and what you earn. Simple as that.
Lyon is often described as a “balanced” city. And balance has a cost. Rent, groceries, transport, a coffee on a sunny terrace in Croix-Rousse… it all adds up. If you’re seriously thinking about settling here, it’s smart to look at housing first, because that’s where the gap really shows. Some people start by browsing agencies like https://agence-immobilierelyon.com just to get a feel for prices, and honestly, it can be a bit of a wake-up call.
Housing in Lyon : the real budget killer
Let’s not dance around it. Housing is the biggest expense in Lyon. And it’s not evenly spread. Live in the 2nd arrondissement, near Bellecour and the Saône, and prices jump fast. We’re talking high demand, postcard streets, old buildings with charm… and rents that follow. A decent one-bedroom apartment can easily cross the €900–€1,100 mark, charges not always included.
Move a bit outward, like Villeurbanne, Bron, or parts of the 8th arrondissement, and things calm down. Still urban, still connected by metro or tram, but noticeably cheaper. You might find something closer to €700–€800 for the same surface. That difference matters. A lot.
Buying is another story. Lyon’s real estate market has been tight for years. Prices per square meter remain among the highest in France outside Paris. Some neighborhoods feel almost inaccessible unless you already have solid savings. It’s frustrating, especially for first-time buyers. I find that part tough to swallow, honestly.
Everyday cost of living : expensive, but not outrageous
Once housing is covered, the rest of the budget is… manageable. Groceries ? Slightly above the national average, but nothing shocking. Shopping at local markets like Marché de la Croix-Rousse feels pleasant, even if you notice prices creeping up. A baguette is still a baguette, but cheese, fruit, and meat can hurt the wallet if you’re not careful.
Eating out is where Lyon shines… and tempts you. This is the capital of gastronomy, after all. A lunch menu in a bouchon can be very reasonable, especially on weekdays. Dinner, wine included, climbs faster. Public transport, though, is a good surprise. The TCL network is efficient, reliable, and cheaper than owning a car in the city. Frankly, many residents don’t even bother with one.
Utilities, internet, phone plans ? Pretty standard for a large French city. No big surprises there.
Salaries in Lyon : decent, but not always aligned with costs
Here’s where things get tricky. Salaries in Lyon are generally higher than the French average, but lower than Paris. That sounds fine on paper. In reality, some sectors struggle to keep up with housing costs. Tech, engineering, pharma, finance – those jobs pay well and make Lyon attractive. If you’re in one of those fields, life here feels comfortable.
But for service jobs, junior positions, or freelance creatives, the balance can feel tight. You earn okay money, but rent eats a large chunk of it. I’ve heard many people say, “I live well, but I don’t save much.” That sentence comes back a lot.
Remote work changes the equation, of course. Earning a Paris or international salary while living in Lyon ? Suddenly, the city feels like a very good deal.
So… is Lyon too expensive to live in ?
Honestly ? Not too expensive, but not cheap either. Lyon sits in that middle zone that can be tricky. It offers strong job opportunities, great food, solid transport, and a high quality of life. But you pay for that, mainly through housing.
If you’re moving from a smaller city, the jump can be brutal at first. If you’re coming from Paris, Lyon often feels like a breath of fresh air. Less stress, slightly lower prices, and a city that’s still buzzing.
The real question is this : what’s your lifestyle, and what’s your budget ? Do you want to live central, walk everywhere, go out often ? Or are you fine living a bit farther, saving on rent, and enjoying the city differently ? Lyon can work in many ways. You just need to choose the version that fits you.