Cost of Living: Gothenburg vs Lyon (2026)
Sweden vs France — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €7k
- 29% social
- €1000/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 18 weeks. Between 18-22 weeks requires board approval.
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 10% cheaper in Lyon ($972/mo vs $1080/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are noticeably warmer in Lyon (26°C vs 19°C).
- •Gothenburg scores higher on democracy (9.4 vs 8.0 / 10 EIU).
- •Street-level English is easier in Gothenburg (100/100 vs 38/100).
Gothenburg vs Lyon — Common Questions
Is Gothenburg cheaper than Lyon?▾
Lyon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $972/month in Lyon vs $1080/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Gothenburg or Lyon?▾
Gothenburg is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Gothenburg has a rate of 1.10 per 100,000 and Lyon has 1.56 per 100,000.
Should I move to Gothenburg or Lyon?▾
Too close to call — 80 vs 76. Gothenburg has a slight edge, but Lyon 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 Gothenburg or Lyon?▾
Gothenburg: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Gothenburg or Lyon?▾
Lyon is warmer in summer (26°C vs 19°C). Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Lyon without speaking the local language?▾
Gothenburg is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Lyon (38/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.
What's the cost of rent in Gothenburg vs Lyon?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $972/month in Lyon, $1080/month in Gothenburg (Numbeo). That's 10% cheaper rent in Lyon.
Is Gothenburg or Lyon better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Gothenburg scores 9.4/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 8.0/10 for Lyon. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Compare Gothenburg
Gothenburg vs Graz
Compare Gothenburg
Gothenburg vs Salzburg
Compare Lyon
Lyon vs Graz
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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