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Lyon is the third-largest city in France, offering a plethora of opportunities in terms of academics and employment. Filled with stunning architecture, Lyon is also known as the City of Lights, and has a nightlife with endless possibilities for enjoyment. The city boasts an excellent transport system, high-quality housing, and amazing restaurants. The cost of living in Lyon is moderate when compared to the major European cities.
If you are an international student who is planning to move to Lyon, then you should be aware of the cost of living in Lyon in advance. Curious about the average of essential expenses in this amazing city? So, keep reading the blog for more detailed information on the cost of living in Lyon.
This Blog Includes:
Cost of Living in Lyon: Overview
The average cost of living in Lyon for international students is approximately EUR 1402 (according to LivingCost) and it can vary depending on their lifestyle and accommodation choices. Lyon offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other European cities, making it an attractive destination for students seeking a balance of quality education and manageable expenses.
Lyon is among the top 36% of the most expensive cities worldwide according to LivingCost data. Essential expenses related to living in Lyon typically include rent, utilities, monthly transportation, personal items, and grocery costs, each contributing to a comprehensive picture of living expenses in Lyon. Below is an overview of the average cost of living in Lyon for various essential categories. Please have a look:
Hope you have a gist of what the cost of living in Lyon is all about. This is just the beginning! Now let’s start a journey on the breakup of the cost of living in Lyon in Detail.
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Cost of Restaurants Food in Lyon
The Lyon city offers a wide array of dining options, ranging from traditional cuisine to international dishes. Understanding the costs associated with dining out in Lyon can be beneficial for students as it can impact your cost of living in Lyon. The table given below shows the average restaurant costs you might have to bear in Lyon while studying:
| Type of Restaurant Food | Approx Costs |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | EUR 15 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | EUR 60 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | EUR 11 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | EUR 3.24 |
Grocery Costs in Lyon
Grocery expenses are a significant part of the overall cost of living in Lyon city. If you eat out frequently, it can quickly add up and strain your budget, so cooking at home is a smart idea. Knowing the average prices of basic grocery items can help students manage their budgets in a better way.
Lyon offers a range of transportation options to suit different needs and budgets, making it convenient for students to commute to university or travel around the city. The table provided below demonstrates the average expense of groceries you can expect in Lyon:
| Grocery Item | Average Costs |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | EUR 1.28 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | EUR 2.14 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | EUR 2.50 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | EUR 3.84 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | EUR 19.50 |
| Apples (1kg) | EUR 2.60 |
| Banana (1kg) | EUR 2.09 |
| Oranges (1kg) | EUR 3.40 |
| Tomato (1kg) | EUR 3.74 |
| Potato (1kg) | EUR 2.50 |
| Onion (1kg) | EUR 2.13 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | EUR 1.27 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | EUR 0.73 |
Cost of Utility Bills in Lyon
The cost of utility bills in Lyon typically includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal. On average, you can expect to pay around EUR 210 per month for these services in a standard apartment. This amount can vary based on the size of the apartment, the number of occupants, and personal usage habits. Understanding these costs is essential for budgeting your monthly cost of living in Lyon effectively. Here are the average utility costs in Lyon:
| Types of Utility | Approx Costs |
| Basic (Heating, Electricity, Cooling, Water, and Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | EUR 210 |
| Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone with Calls and 10GB+ Data | EUR 22 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | EUR 31 |
Cost of Transportation in Lyon
Transportation in Lyon is both efficient and affordable, making it easy to navigate the city. The public transportation system, operated by TCL (Transports en Commun Lyonnais), includes buses, trams, and the metro, providing comprehensive coverage of the city and surrounding areas.
The transportation costs in Lyon are listed in the table provided below:
| Price of a One-way Ticket for Local Transport | EUR 2 |
| Regular Price of Monthly Pass | EUR 69 |
| Cost of Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | EUR 5 |
| Cost of Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | EUR 1.60 |
| Cost of Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | EUR 29.70 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in France: Rent, Food, Expenses and More
Cost of Recreation in Lyon
Recreation in Lyon is diverse and offers something for everyone, from cultural activities to outdoor adventures. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of costs for various recreational activities in Lyon:
| Sports And Leisure | Approx Costs |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | EUR 38 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | EUR 20 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | EUR 12 |
Cost of Apparel in Lyon
The cost of apparel in Lyon can vary widely depending on where you shop and the type of clothing you are looking for. Generally, Lyon offers offers a range of options for budgets and fashion preferences. It has several markets and stores where you can find unique and affordable clothing items. For your reference, we have given the approximate costs of apparel in Lyon City. Please have a look:
| Clothing And Shoes | Approx Costs |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | EUR 85.38 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | EUR 35.25 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | EUR 92.75 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | EUR 133.75 |
Housing Costs in Lyon
When planning a move to this bustling city of France, understanding the housing costs is crucial for effective budgeting and ensuring a comfortable lifestyle. The housing costs in Lyon cover the major portion of the average cost of living in Lyon.
The Housing expenses in Lyon can vary widely based on factors such as location, size, and type of accommodation. Here’s a detailed look at the different aspects of housing costs in Lyon:
| Types of Apartments and Areas | Average Cost |
| Monthly Rent for a 1-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | EUR 923 |
| Monthly Rent for a 1-bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre | EUR 586 |
| Monthly Rent for a 3-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | EUR 1616 |
| Monthly Rent for a 3-bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | EUR 1105 |
Average Tuition Fees in Lyon
Now that you know the cost of living in Lyon, let’s look at the average tuition costs you can expect at an institution in this city. The average tuition fees in Lyon vary depending on the institution and program of study. Prospective students need to research specific programs and institutions to get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding tuition costs. The table given below displays the average annual tuition fees at a university in Lyon.
| University/Collage | Tuition Fees for 1st year |
| University of Jean Moulin Lyon 3 | EUR 13,410 |
| EMLYON Business School | EUR 13,630 – EUR 44,470 |
| ESDES Business School | EUR 9,950 – EUR 17,210 |
| ECAM Lyon | EUR 7,600 |
Cost of Living Comparison: Lyon vs Other Cities
When comparing the cost of living in Lyon to other countries and major cities, several factors come into play. Lyon is renowned for its manageable housing and transportation expenses, which make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in a vibrant urban setting. It’s crucial to understand how the cost of living in Lyon stacks up against other global destinations to make informed decisions about relocation or extended stays.
To offer a comprehensive perspective on living expenses, we’ve gathered relevant data comparing the cost of living in Lyon to major cities such as Paris, London, and Budapest. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you gain a clearer understanding:
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of Living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Lyon |
| Cost of Living in Paris | EUR 1,119. (excluding rent) | Higher than Lyon |
| Cost of Living in London | EUR 1310 (excluding rent) | Higher than Lyon |
| Cost of Living in Budapest | EUR 669 (excluding rent) | Higher than Lyon |
Why Choose Lyon to Study Abroad?
After understanding the cost of living in Lyon, let’s see why it is a great study-abroad destination. With the world-class education offered by the universities in Lyon, the city has become a popular destination for expats living abroad. Here are some of the major reasons for choosing Lyon as your study-abroad destination:
Offers All Amenities
Lyon provides all the amenities of a big city, with various, shops, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife that students can enjoy.
Cultural Attractions in Lyon
Lyon has a wide range of cultural attractions, including historic sites, cultural attractions, and museums.
Home to Prestigious Universities
The city houses some of the most prominent universities in the world, including the University of Lyon, IAE Lyon School Of Management, and ENS Lyon.
European Startup Scene
Lyon is rapidly turning into one of the best destinations in the European startup scene, creating more opportunities for both job seekers and job creators.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Italy
Things to Know Before Moving to Lyon
Apart from the cost of living in Lyon, there are numerous reasons why you might want to move to Lyon, be it the career opportunities or simply the perfect living conditions. If you have made up your mind to move to Lyon, then here are some crucial things you need to keep in mind beforehand:
Plenty Of Job Opportunities
Lyon is bustling with industries and businesses, offering a wide range of job opportunities. Some of the significant industries thriving in Lyon are as follows:
- Digital technologies,
- Logistics and transport,
- Clean energy,
- Food, farming, gastronomy,
- Sustainable tourism, and
- Health and biotechnologies.
Cold Weather
Lyon experiences cold and damp winters. During this season, the temperatures may go below 24°F (-4.4°C). However, the summer, fall, and spring months are nice and tempered.
Friendly Community
The people of Lyon are known to be very welcoming and friendly. Lyonnaise people are also very open to minority groups.
Excellent Food Scene
Lyon is popular for its amazing food scene. Here are some of the traditional local dishes of Lyon:
- Lyonnaise potatoes,
- Tablier de sapeur,
- Quenelle (pictured above),
- Andouillette,
- Coussin de Lyon, and
- Bugnes.
Beautiful Landmarks to Visit
The beautiful city of Lyon is filled with astounding places and historical sites to visit. Here are some of the most popular landmarks to visit in Lyon:
- Hôtel de Ville (City Hall),
- Vieux Lyon (pictured above),
- Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, and
- La Place Bellecour,
- Colline de Fourvière.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Lyon
Answer: The cost of living in Lyon, particularly for international students, is estimated at around EUR 1032 per month, which excludes expenses such as rent. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city of Lyon costs around RUB 923.
Ans. Lyon is moderate when it comes to living expenses. It is cheaper than Paris but is still among the most expensive French cities. The average cost of living in Lyon for a site person is around EUR 1032 per month, which excludes rental costs.
Ans. The average monthly salary in Lyon is EUR 2,659.00. So, if you are earning this much or more, then you can expect to live comfortably in the city. This amount is higher than the average cost of living in Lyon, meaning you can save some money for the future.
Ans. Lyon is renowned for its historical and architectural landmarks. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Lyon. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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