Cost of Living: Lyon vs Montpellier (2026)
France vs France — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €38k
- 22% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €38k
- 22% social
- €1000/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated May 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated May 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 14 weeks. Enshrined as a constitutional right in March 2024.
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 4% cheaper in Montpellier ($930/mo vs $972/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Montpellier (30°C vs 26°C).
Lyon vs Montpellier — Common Questions
Is Lyon cheaper than Montpellier?▾
Montpellier is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $930/month in Montpellier vs $972/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Lyon or Montpellier?▾
Montpellier is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lyon has a rate of 1.56 per 100,000 and Montpellier has 1.34 per 100,000.
Should I move to Lyon or Montpellier?▾
Lyon edges ahead 76 to 71. Montpellier isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. 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 Lyon or Montpellier?▾
Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). Montpellier: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Lyon or Montpellier?▾
Montpellier is warmer in summer (30°C vs 26°C). Lyon has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
What's the cost of rent in Lyon vs Montpellier?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $930/month in Montpellier, $972/month in Lyon (Numbeo). That's 4% cheaper rent in Montpellier.
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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