Cost of Living: Krakow vs Lyon (2026)
Poland vs France — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €47k
- €450/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
Near-total ban since 2021. Only permitted for life/health threat or rape/incest. One of Europe's most restrictive.
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 0% cheaper in Lyon ($972/mo vs $976/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Lyon (26°C vs 23°C).
- •Krakow is safer by homicide rate (0.4 vs 1.6 per 100k).
- •Lyon scores higher on democracy (8.0 vs 7.4 / 10 EIU).
- •Street-level English is easier in Krakow (100/100 vs 38/100).
Krakow vs Lyon — Common Questions
Is Krakow cheaper than Lyon?▾
Lyon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $972/month in Lyon vs $976/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Krakow or Lyon?▾
Krakow is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Krakow has a rate of 0.38 per 100,000 and Lyon has 1.56 per 100,000.
Should I move to Krakow or Lyon?▾
Krakow 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 Krakow or Lyon?▾
Krakow: Poland Temporary Residence (moderate requirements, Up to 3 years). Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Krakow or Lyon?▾
Lyon is warmer in summer (26°C vs 23°C). Krakow 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 Krakow or Lyon without speaking the local language?▾
Krakow 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 Krakow vs Lyon?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $972/month in Lyon, $976/month in Krakow (Numbeo). That's 0% cheaper rent in Lyon.
Is Krakow or Lyon better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Lyon scores 8.0/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 7.4/10 for Krakow. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Is healthcare better in Krakow or Lyon?▾
Lyon scores higher on our composite healthcare index (84/100 vs 73/100 for Krakow). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.
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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