Cost of Living: Lyon vs New York (2026)
France vs United States — 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 77% cheaper in Lyon ($972/mo vs $4281/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in New York (28°C vs 26°C).
- •Lyon is safer by homicide rate (1.6 vs 5.8 per 100k).
- •English is easier to get by in New York (100/100 vs 60/100 English proficiency).
Lyon vs New York — Common Questions
Is Lyon cheaper than New York?▾
Lyon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $972/month in Lyon vs $4281/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Lyon or New York?▾
Lyon is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lyon has a rate of 1.56 per 100,000 and New York has 5.80 per 100,000.
Should I move to Lyon or New York?▾
Lyon scores 75 to New York's 57 on livability — the gap is real. New York has its charms, but the numbers favor Lyon. 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 New York?▾
Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). New York: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Lyon or New York without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in New York (EF EPI score: 100/100) than in Lyon (60/100). In New York, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Lyon, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.
Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.
Related comparisons