Cost of Living: Lyon vs Stockholm (2026)
France vs Sweden — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €38k
- 22% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €7k
- 29% social
- €1000/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 18 weeks. Between 18-22 weeks requires board approval.
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 46% cheaper in Lyon ($972/mo vs $1816/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are noticeably warmer in Lyon (26°C vs 20°C).
- •Stockholm scores higher on democracy (9.4 vs 8.0 / 10 EIU).
- •Street-level English is easier in Stockholm (100/100 vs 38/100).
Lyon vs Stockholm — Common Questions
Is Lyon cheaper than Stockholm?▾
Lyon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $972/month in Lyon vs $1816/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Lyon or Stockholm?▾
Stockholm is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lyon has a rate of 1.56 per 100,000 and Stockholm has 1.10 per 100,000.
Should I move to Lyon or Stockholm?▾
Lyon and Stockholm 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 Stockholm?▾
Lyon: France Talent Passport (complex process, Up to 4 years). Stockholm: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Lyon or Stockholm?▾
Lyon is warmer in summer (26°C vs 20°C). Stockholm 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 Stockholm without speaking the local language?▾
Stockholm 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 Stockholm?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $972/month in Lyon, $1816/month in Stockholm (Numbeo). That's 47% cheaper rent in Lyon.
Is Lyon or Stockholm better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Stockholm scores 9.4/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 8.0/10 for Lyon. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
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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