Cost of Living: Dublin vs Lyon (2026)
Ireland vs France — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 61% cheaper in Lyon ($972/mo vs $2522/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are noticeably warmer in Lyon (26°C vs 18°C).
- •Dublin is safer by homicide rate (0.9 vs 1.6 per 100k).
- •Dublin scores higher on democracy (9.2 vs 8.1 / 10 EIU).
- •English is easier to get by in Dublin (96/100 vs 60/100 English proficiency).
Dublin vs Lyon — Common Questions
Is Dublin cheaper than Lyon?▾
Lyon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $972/month in Lyon vs $2522/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Dublin or Lyon?▾
Dublin is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Dublin has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Lyon has 1.56 per 100,000.
Should I move to Dublin or Lyon?▾
Lyon scores 75 to Dublin's 64 on livability — the gap is real. Dublin has its charms, but the numbers favor Lyon. 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 Dublin or Lyon?▾
Dublin: Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (then IRP card)). Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Dublin or Lyon?▾
Lyon is warmer in summer (26°C vs 18°C). Dublin has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
Can I live in Dublin or Lyon without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Dublin (EF EPI score: 96/100) than in Lyon (60/100). In Dublin, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Lyon, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
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