City Comparison · Updated May 2026
France
COL index 62.4
France
COL index 76.3
Lyon vs Paris — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Lyon is 18.2% cheaper than Paris for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Lyon | Metric | Paris | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62.4 | Cost of living index | 76.3 | +22.3% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €34,014 | Net at €50,000 gross | €34,014 | 0.0% |
| €1,380 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,980 | +43.5% |
| €2,010 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,730 | +35.8% |
| €54,509 | PPP — net / COL | €44,579 | -18.2% |
| 32.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 32.0% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in France = €2,834 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Paris, you would need roughly €63,878 gross in France (≈ €3,466 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,380)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (48.7%)
- −High cost of living (index 76)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (69.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Lyon carries a lower cost-of-living index; Lyon wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Lyon edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Lyon cheaper than Paris?+
Lyon is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Lyon 62.4, Paris 76.3 — a 18.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Lyon and Paris?+
Lyon sits at 62.4 on our COL index, Paris at 76.3. That works out to roughly 18.2% — Lyon being the cheaper of the two.
Is Lyon a good place to live compared to Paris?+
It depends on priorities. Lyon delivers €34,014 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 32.0% effective tax rate. Paris delivers €34,014 at 32.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,380 vs €1,980.
How do salaries compare in Lyon vs Paris?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €34,014/year (€2,834/month) in Lyon and €34,014/year (€2,834/month) in Paris.
Which city has lower taxes, Lyon or Paris?+
France has the lower effective rate at €50,000: France 32.0%, France 32.0%.
More Lyon comparisons
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