Lyon vs Rotterdam
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lyon is ~14% 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
Rotterdam
Netherlands
COL+Rent
47
Rent Index
31
Groceries
52.3
Restaurant
53.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Lyon | Rotterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $932 | $1,378 | $446 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $666 | $1,082 | $416 |
| Groceries | $304 | $299 | +$5 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $17 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $63 | $87 | $24 |
| Utilities | $146 | $168 | $22 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Lyon | Rotterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,148/mo | $1,614/mo |
| Typical | $1,670/mo | $2,187/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,096/mo | $2,709/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Lyon | ≈ in Rotterdam | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,749/mo | +$249 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,333/mo | +$333 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,499/mo | +$499 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Lyon vs Rotterdam for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lyon is approximately 14% more affordable than Rotterdam when combining rent and daily living costs. Lyon's COL+Rent Index of 40.3 vs Rotterdam's 47 (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 $1,378/month in Rotterdam — giving Lyon a $446/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $5,352 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Lyon ($304/mo) vs Rotterdam ($299/mo) reflect Rotterdam's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $17 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.