Cost of Living: Lyon vs Seattle (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 60% cheaper in Lyon ($972/mo vs $2442/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Lyon (26°C vs 24°C).
- •Lyon is safer by homicide rate (1.6 vs 8.8 per 100k).
- •English is easier to get by in Seattle (100/100 vs 60/100 English proficiency).
Lyon vs Seattle — Common Questions
Is Lyon cheaper than Seattle?▾
Lyon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $972/month in Lyon vs $2442/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Lyon or Seattle?▾
Lyon is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lyon has a rate of 1.56 per 100,000 and Seattle has 8.80 per 100,000.
Should I move to Lyon or Seattle?▾
Lyon scores 75 to Seattle's 60 on livability — the gap is real. Seattle 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 Seattle?▾
Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). Seattle: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Lyon or Seattle?▾
Lyon is warmer in summer (26°C vs 24°C). Seattle 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 Lyon or Seattle without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Seattle (EF EPI score: 100/100) than in Lyon (60/100). In Seattle, 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