The Hague vs Lyon
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lyon is ~21% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Lyon
France
COL+Rent
40.3
Rent Index
21
Groceries
53
Restaurant
47.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $932 | +$614 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $666 | +$548 |
| Groceries | $319 | $304 | +$15 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $15 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $63 | +$30 |
| Utilities | $179 | $146 | +$33 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $1,148/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $1,670/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $2,096/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Lyon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,188/mo | -$312 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,583/mo | -$417 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,375/mo | -$625 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Lyon for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lyon is approximately 21% more affordable than The Hague when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Lyon's 40.3 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $932/month in Lyon — giving Lyon a $614/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $7,368 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Lyon ($304/mo) reflect Lyon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 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.