Los Angeles vs Lyon
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lyon is ~42% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Lyon
France
COL+Rent
40.3
Rent Index
21
Groceries
53
Restaurant
47.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,627 | $932 | +$1,695 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,059 | $666 | +$1,393 |
| Groceries | $484 | $304 | +$180 |
| Restaurant Meal | $26 | $15 | +$11 |
| Transit Pass | $85 | $63 | +$22 |
| Utilities | $196 | $146 | +$50 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Los Angeles | Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,783/mo | $1,148/mo |
| Typical | $3,782/mo | $1,670/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,663/mo | $2,096/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Los Angeles | ≈ in Lyon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $870/mo | -$630 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,160/mo | -$840 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,740/mo | -$1,260 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Los Angeles vs Lyon for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lyon is approximately 42% more affordable than Los Angeles when combining rent and daily living costs. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index of 69.5 vs Lyon's 40.3 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Los Angeles costs $2,627/month versus $932/month in Lyon — giving Lyon a $1,695/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $20,340 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Los Angeles ($484/mo) vs Lyon ($304/mo) reflect Lyon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $26 vs $15 show Lyon offers cheaper dining. 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.