Cost of Living: Bilbao vs Lyon (2026)
Spain vs France — relocation comparison
Open incentive regimes for newcomers
- No VAT exemption
- €1800/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €38k
- 22% social
- €1000/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out before 5pm in both cities come December. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
On request up to 14 weeks. 2023 reform removed mandatory waiting period.
On request up to 14 weeks. Enshrined as a constitutional right in March 2024.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Source: Rainbow Europe (ILGA-Europe)
The Short Version
- •Rent is 23% cheaper in Lyon ($972/mo vs $1259/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Lyon (26°C vs 25°C).
- •Bilbao is safer by homicide rate (0.7 vs 1.6 per 100k).
Bilbao vs Lyon — Common Questions
Is Bilbao cheaper than Lyon?▾
Lyon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $972/month in Lyon vs $1259/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Bilbao or Lyon?▾
Bilbao is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bilbao has a rate of 0.69 per 100,000 and Lyon has 1.56 per 100,000.
Should I move to Bilbao or Lyon?▾
Too close to call — 76 vs 72. Lyon has a slight edge, but Bilbao might suit you better depending on your priorities. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Bilbao or Lyon?▾
Bilbao: no specific remote work visa. Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
What's the cost of rent in Bilbao vs Lyon?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $972/month in Lyon, $1259/month in Bilbao (Numbeo). That's 23% cheaper rent in Lyon.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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