Lyon vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~2% 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
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Lyon | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $932 | $821 | +$111 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $666 | $630 | +$36 |
| Groceries | $304 | $370 | $66 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $15 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $63 | $47 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $146 | $170 | $24 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Lyon | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,148/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $1,670/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,096/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Lyon | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,467/mo | -$33 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,955/mo | -$45 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,933/mo | -$67 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Lyon vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 2% more affordable than Lyon when combining rent and daily living costs. Lyon's COL+Rent Index of 40.3 vs Graz's 39.4 (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 Lyon costs $932/month versus $821/month in Graz — giving Graz a $111/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Lyon ($304/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Lyon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $15 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, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 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.