Cost of Living: Graz vs Lyon (2026)
Austria vs France — relocation comparison
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 21% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $972/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Lyon (26°C vs 25°C).
- •Graz is safer by homicide rate (0.9 vs 1.6 per 100k).
- •Street-level English is easier in Graz (74/100 vs 38/100).
Graz vs Lyon — Common Questions
Is Graz cheaper than Lyon?▾
Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $972/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Graz or Lyon?▾
Graz is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Graz has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Lyon has 1.56 per 100,000.
Should I move to Graz or Lyon?▾
Graz and Lyon are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. 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 Graz or Lyon?▾
Graz: no specific remote work visa. Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Graz or Lyon without speaking the local language?▾
Graz is easier for street-level English (74/100) 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.
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