Cost of Living: Krakow vs Lyon (2026)

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Krakow is easier for street-level English (68/100) 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.