Cost of Living: Lyon vs Split (2026)
France vs Croatia — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €38k
- 22% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €40k
- 37% social
- €450/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 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 10 weeks. Access limited in practice due to widespread conscientious objection.
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 10% cheaper in Lyon ($972/mo vs $1077/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Split (30°C vs 26°C).
- •Split is safer by homicide rate (0.8 vs 1.6 per 100k).
- •Lyon scores higher on democracy (8.0 vs 6.5 / 10 EIU).
- •Street-level English is easier in Split (100/100 vs 38/100).
Lyon vs Split — Common Questions
Is Lyon cheaper than Split?▾
Lyon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $972/month in Lyon vs $1077/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Lyon or Split?▾
Split is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lyon has a rate of 1.56 per 100,000 and Split has 0.77 per 100,000.
Should I move to Lyon or Split?▾
Lyon edges ahead 76 to 68. Split 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 Split?▾
Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). Split: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Lyon or Split?▾
Split 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.
Can I live in Lyon or Split without speaking the local language?▾
Split is easier for street-level English (100/100) 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.
What's the cost of rent in Lyon vs Split?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $972/month in Lyon, $1077/month in Split (Numbeo). That's 10% cheaper rent in Lyon.
Is Lyon or Split better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Lyon scores 8.0/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 6.5/10 for Split. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Is healthcare better in Lyon or Split?▾
Lyon scores higher on our composite healthcare index (84/100 vs 77/100 for Split). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.
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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