Montreal vs Lyon
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lyon is ~9% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Montreal
Canada
COL+Rent
44.5
Rent Index
31
Groceries
59.1
Restaurant
54
Lyon
France
COL+Rent
40.3
Rent Index
21
Groceries
53
Restaurant
47.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Montreal | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,369 | $932 | +$437 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,088 | $666 | +$422 |
| Groceries | $331 | $304 | +$27 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $15 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $63 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $129 | $146 | $17 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Montreal | Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,592/mo | $1,148/mo |
| Typical | $2,159/mo | $1,670/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,686/mo | $2,096/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Montreal | ≈ in Lyon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,358/mo | -$142 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,811/mo | -$189 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,717/mo | -$283 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Montreal vs Lyon for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lyon is approximately 9% more affordable than Montreal when combining rent and daily living costs. Montreal's COL+Rent Index of 44.5 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 Montreal costs $1,369/month versus $932/month in Lyon — giving Lyon a $437/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $5,244 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Montreal ($331/mo) vs Lyon ($304/mo) reflect Lyon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 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.