Lisbon vs Lyon
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lyon is ~8% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Lisbon
Portugal
COL+Rent
43.8
Rent Index
30
Groceries
49.1
Restaurant
47.4
Lyon
France
COL+Rent
40.3
Rent Index
21
Groceries
53
Restaurant
47.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Lisbon | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,337 | $932 | +$405 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,040 | $666 | +$374 |
| Groceries | $277 | $304 | $27 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $15 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $45 | $63 | $18 |
| Utilities | $130 | $146 | $16 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Lisbon | Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,469/mo | $1,148/mo |
| Typical | $2,014/mo | $1,670/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,495/mo | $2,096/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Lisbon | ≈ in Lyon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,380/mo | -$120 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,840/mo | -$160 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,760/mo | -$240 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Lisbon vs Lyon for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lyon is approximately 8% more affordable than Lisbon when combining rent and daily living costs. Lisbon's COL+Rent Index of 43.8 vs Lyon's 40.3 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Lisbon costs $1,337/month versus $932/month in Lyon — giving Lyon a $405/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $4,860 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Lisbon ($277/mo) vs Lyon ($304/mo) reflect Lisbon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $15 show Lisbon is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Lyon offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,670 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.