Lyon vs Copenhagen
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lyon is ~39% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Lyon
France
COL+Rent
40.3
Rent Index
21
Groceries
53
Restaurant
47.6
Copenhagen
Denmark
COL+Rent
66.1
Rent Index
39
Groceries
85.8
Restaurant
115.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Lyon | Copenhagen | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $932 | $1,951 | $1,019 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $666 | $1,465 | $799 |
| Groceries | $304 | $543 | $239 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $33 | $18 |
| Transit Pass | $63 | $71 | $8 |
| Utilities | $146 | $216 | $70 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Lyon | Copenhagen |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,148/mo | $2,264/mo |
| Typical | $1,670/mo | $3,276/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,096/mo | $4,172/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Lyon | ≈ in Copenhagen | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,460/mo | +$960 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,280/mo | +$1,280 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,921/mo | +$1,921 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Lyon vs Copenhagen for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lyon is approximately 39% more affordable than Copenhagen when combining rent and daily living costs. Lyon's COL+Rent Index of 40.3 vs Copenhagen's 66.1 (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 Lyon costs $932/month versus $1,951/month in Copenhagen — giving Lyon a $1,019/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $12,228 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Lyon ($304/mo) vs Copenhagen ($543/mo) reflect Lyon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $33 show Lyon 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.