Cost of living in Lyon

1. 1

   Shared Room Rent

   essential

   Expect to pay €450-700 for a room in shared accommodation. Prices vary significantly by arrondissement and proximity to universities or metro lines. This is comparable to other major French cities like Bordeaux, but generally lower than Paris.

2. 2

   Security Deposit (Caution)

   essential

   Typically one month's rent for unfurnished and two months for furnished accommodation. This is a standard requirement across France, crucial for securing your spot. Ensure it's returned upon departure.

3. 3

   Electricity (EDF/Engie)

   essential

   Monthly electricity bills range from €30-60 per person in shared housing, depending on usage and heating type. EDF is the historical provider, but Engie also offers competitive rates.

4. 4

   Gas (Engie/Other)

   essential

   If your heating or cooking is gas-powered, budget €20-40 monthly. Engie is a common provider. Many apartments in Lyon use electric heating, so this isn't always applicable.

5. 5

   Water (Eau du Grand Lyon)

   essential

   Water bills are usually included in the 'charges' portion of your rent, or paid separately quarterly. Budget €10-20 per person monthly if separate. Lyon's water quality is excellent.

6. 6

   Home Insurance (Assurance Habitation)

   essential

   Mandatory for all tenants in France. Expect €8-15 monthly from providers like LCL, MAIF, or AXA. It covers damages and liability, a legal requirement.

7. 7

   Internet/Broadband (Box Internet)

   essential

   Shared internet costs €15-25 per person, part of a €25-50 total bill. Providers like Orange, Free, Bouygues Telecom, and SFR offer fiber optic in most areas.

8. 8

   TV License (Contribution à l'Audiovisuel Public)

   nice-to-have

   If your shared apartment has a TV connected to an antenna or internet box, this annual fee (€139 in 2023) is due. It's usually paid with the 'taxe d'habitation' if applicable.

9. 9

   Guarantor Fees

   essential

   If using a service like GarantMe or Visale (free for eligible individuals) instead of a personal guarantor, there might be fees. Crucial for non-French residents.

10. 10

    Rental Agency Fees

    essential

    If renting through an agency, fees can apply, usually capped at €8-12 per square meter for tenant, plus a flat fee for inventory. Always check before signing.

1. 1

   Monthly TCL Pass (Abonnement TCL)

   essential

   A 'Pass Abonnement' for the TCL network (metro, tram, bus, funicular) costs €32.50 for students/under 26, or €69.40 for adults. This is essential for daily commuting and offers unlimited travel.

2. 2

   Single TCL Ticket (Ticket à l'unité)

   recommended

   A single ticket costs €2.10, valid for one hour with unlimited connections. Buying a 'carnet' of 10 tickets for €19.50 is more economical if you don't commute daily.

3. 3

   Vélo'v Bike Sharing

   recommended

   An annual subscription to Lyon's public bike-sharing system, Vélo'v, costs €30-40. The first 30 minutes of each ride are free, perfect for short distances and exploring.

4. 4

   Car Sharing Services

   nice-to-have

   Services like Citiz or Free2Move offer hourly or daily car rentals. Useful for weekend trips outside the city. Costs vary greatly based on usage and car type.

5. 5

   Taxi/VTC Services

   nice-to-have

   Fares for taxis or VTCs (Uber, Bolt, Freenow) within the city center typically range from €10-25. Use sparingly for late nights or specific needs, as they add up quickly.

6. 6

   Intercity Travel (SNCF)

   nice-to-have

   Lyon is a major rail hub. High-speed TGV tickets to Paris can be found for €20-50 if booked in advance, or €50-100+ last minute. Ouigo offers cheaper, no-frills options.

7. 7

   Walkability

   essential

   Lyon's city center is very walkable, especially areas like Presqu'île and Vieux Lyon. Prioritize walking for short distances to save money and enjoy the city's beauty.

8. 8

   Lyon City Card

   nice-to-have

   Offers unlimited public transport and free entry to museums for 1-4 days. A 3-day card costs around €50. Great for tourists but not cost-effective for residents.

1. 1

   Weekly Grocery Bill

   essential

   Budget €40-60 per person weekly for groceries, totaling €160-240 monthly. This is fairly standard for a major French city, slightly higher than rural areas.

2. 2

   Supermarkets (Carrefour, Auchan, Leclerc)

   essential

   For bulk shopping and best prices, visit larger stores like E.Leclerc or Auchan. Smaller Carrefour City, Monoprix, or Casino shops are convenient but pricier.

3. 3

   Discount Supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi)

   recommended

   These offer significant savings on everyday items. Look for them in less central arrondissements. Ideal for budget-conscious shoppers.

4. 4

   Local Markets (Marché Saint-Antoine Célestins)

   recommended

   Visit local markets for fresh produce, cheese, and meats. Marché Saint-Antoine Célestins is famous. Prices can be competitive, especially towards closing time.

5. 5

   Boulangerie (Bakery)

   essential

   A baguette costs €1.10-€1.30. Essential for daily life. Support your local artisan boulangerie for fresh bread and pastries.

6. 6

   Butcher Shops (Boucherie)

   nice-to-have

   For quality meats, visit a 'boucherie'. Prices are higher than supermarkets but quality is superior. Expect €10-20 for a main meat dish.

7. 7

   Fishmonger (Poissonnerie)

   nice-to-have

   Fresh fish can be found at dedicated 'poissonneries' or larger supermarkets. Budget €15-25 for a decent portion. Less common for daily meals.

8. 8

   Bio Stores (Naturalia, Biocoop)

   nice-to-have

   Organic and health food stores offer niche products. Prices are generally higher than conventional supermarkets. Useful for specific dietary needs.

9. 9

   Eating out (Bouchons Lyonnais)

   recommended

   A traditional 'bouchon Lyonnais' meal can range from €25-40 for a full menu. More casual bistros offer 'plat du jour' for €12-18 at lunch. Lyon is a culinary capital.

10. 10

    Coffee/Pastry at a Café

    nice-to-have

    A coffee typically costs €2-4, and a pastry €2-5. Enjoying a coffee on a terrace is a quintessential French experience, especially in areas like Place des Terreaux.

1. 1

   Gym Membership

   recommended

   Monthly gym memberships range from €25-50. Chains like Basic-Fit or Fitness Park offer budget options, while smaller local gyms can be pricier but more specialized.

2. 2

   Cinema Ticket

   recommended

   A standard cinema ticket costs €9-13. Many cinemas, like Pathé or UGC, offer student discounts or loyalty cards. Special deals often apply on Mondays.

3. 3

   Museum Entry

   nice-to-have

   Entry to major museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts or Musée des Confluences is €8-12. Many offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month or student discounts.

4. 4

   Concerts/Live Music

   nice-to-have

   Tickets for concerts at venues like Le Transbordeur or Ninkasi vary widely, from €15 for local acts to €50+ for international artists. Check local listings for diverse options.

5. 5

   Drinks at a Bar

   recommended

   A pint of beer costs €6-8, a glass of wine €4-7, and cocktails €10-14. Prices can vary significantly between trendy bars in Croix-Rousse and more casual spots.

6. 6

   Haircut

   essential

   A basic haircut typically costs €20-35 for men and €35-60+ for women. Student discounts are often available. Search for local salons for best value.

7. 7

   Personal Care Products

   essential

   Budget €20-40 monthly for toiletries, cosmetics, and other personal hygiene items. Pharmacies and supermarkets like Carrefour or Leclerc are good sources.

8. 8

   Books/Magazines

   nice-to-have

   French books and magazines are similarly priced to other European countries. A paperback novel costs €7-10. Gibert Joseph is a popular bookstore with used options.

9. 9

   Sporting Events

   nice-to-have

   Tickets for Olympique Lyonnais football matches at Groupama Stadium start from €20-30 for basic seats. Attending a game is a thrilling local experience.

10. 10

    Nightclubs

    nice-to-have

    Entry fees for nightclubs generally range from €10-20, often including a drink. Drinks inside can be pricey. Consider options in the Brotteaux or Vieux Lyon areas.

• To secure shared housing, create a solid 'dossier de location' with all documents, including a French guarantor or using Visale, and be ready to commit quickly.
• Utilize 'La Carte Jeune' or student IDs for discounts on TCL, museums, and cinema. Many local shops and eateries also offer student-specific deals if you ask.
• Bargain hunt at local markets like Marché de la Croix-Rousse late in the day for reduced prices on fresh produce. It's a great way to save and get quality ingredients.
• Explore the free cultural events Lyon offers, like 'Les Nuits de Fourvière' in summer or the 'Fête des Lumières' in December, to experience the city without breaking the bank.
• Consider a 'mutuelle' (complementary health insurance) even if you're covered by social security. It significantly reduces out-of-pocket medical expenses in France.
• For affordable and authentic dining, seek out 'bouchons' outside the main tourist areas or opt for 'formule midi' (lunch set menus) which offer great value.

This guide is tailored for Lyon, a city whose cost of living, while high for France, remains more accessible than Paris. The strong TCL public transport network reduces reliance on cars, and the vibrant student population fuels a dynamic shared housing market. Lyon's unique blend of culinary excellence and cultural richness shapes distinct spending patterns.

• Best neighborhoods
• Moving checklist
• First month guide
• Student discounts
• Public transport
• Pet-Friendly living
• Expat community
• Grocery shopping
• Remote work cafés
• Nightlife & social
• Neighbourhoods

• Rental contracts
• Tenant rights
• Deposit protection
• Registration guide
• Flatshare etiquette
• Phone & internet