Cost of Living: Lyon vs Montreal (2026)
France vs Canada — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 26% cheaper in Lyon ($972/mo vs $1309/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Lyon (26°C vs 25°C).
- •Lyon is safer by homicide rate (1.6 vs 2.3 per 100k).
- •Montreal scores higher on democracy (8.7 vs 8.1 / 10 EIU).
- •English is easier to get by in Montreal (91/100 vs 60/100 English proficiency).
Lyon vs Montreal — Common Questions
Is Lyon cheaper than Montreal?▾
Lyon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $972/month in Lyon vs $1309/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Lyon or Montreal?▾
Lyon is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lyon has a rate of 1.56 per 100,000 and Montreal has 2.27 per 100,000.
Should I move to Lyon or Montreal?▾
Lyon and Montreal 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 Lyon or Montreal?▾
Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). Montreal: Canada Express Entry (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Lyon or Montreal without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Montreal (EF EPI score: 91/100) than in Lyon (60/100). In Montreal, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Lyon, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
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