Lyon is a vibrant economic center that is important both nationally and across Europe. The region offers lots of jobs, especially in science and tech innovation. It's a great place for expats with kids, with many school options to pick from. Situated between northern and southern Europe, Lyon provides easy access to nearby countries like Spain and Italy. Plus, the cost of living in Lyon is lower than in Paris!
The rental market and rental prices in Lyon
Most people in Lyon rent, mainly because there are lots of accommodations to choose from and the prices are better than in cities like Paris. Although rents have been going up lately as Lyon has become a more popular place to live,
The city of Lyon covers an area of 47.87 km², and its municipal population was 522,228 in 2020, according to figures from the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), published on February 2, 2024.
Lyon is a big student city – the 11th largest in France for students based on 2023–2024 rankings. Most of the small apartments, like studios and one-bedrooms, are rented by students, but that shouldn't stop you from investing in them. Studios around 25 m² go for about 500 euros a month, while tiny 15 m² apartments are around 400 euros monthly. A spacious 45 m² flat will run you an average of 700 euros per month. Houses are hard to find, but if you do, expect to pay around 1400 euros a month in rent.
Cost of living in Lyon
As mentioned, Lyon is an attractive city with a lot to offer, but rents and the general cost of living have gone up. Utilities like electricity, gas, and water can run you anywhere from around 106 to 245 euros a month, depending on your accommodation. You should be aware that most accommodations do not include these charges in the rent, but they'll let you know if it does. As for the internet, you're looking at 30 to 50 euros per month based on the speed and provider you go with.
If you need to take out a subscription for public transport in Lyon, they have good monthly options based on your age that can save you money, especially for families. You'll be riding the TCL (Transports en Commun Lyonnais) network, which covers the whole metro area.
The fares for a monthly pass are as follows:
- children aged 4 to 10: 10 euros;
- children and teenagers aged 11 to 17: 24.30 euros;
- young people aged 18 to 25 and students: 25 euros;
- students aged 26 to 27: 25 euros;
- adults aged 26 to 64: 72.60 euros;
- people and pensioners aged 60 and over: 36.30 euros;
- large families: 50.80 euros.
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a solidarity fare (free or reduced-rate transport).
Food shopping is an integral part of household expenses, and there are plenty of places to shop, whatever your family composition! Throughout the city, you'll find discount supermarkets, organic stores, weekly markets, and traditional supermarkets.
Lyon's districts
The city of Lyon is divided into nine arrondissements:
- Presqu'Île (1st and 2nd arrondissements);
- Confluence (2nd arrondissement);
- La Préfecture (3rd arrondissement);
- La Part Dieu and Montchat (3rd arrondissement);
- La Croix Rousse (4th arrondissement);
- Vieux Lyon (5th arrondissement);
- Saint-Just, Saint Irénée, Point du Jour (5th arrondissement);
- Les Brotteaux (6th arrondissement);
- Gerland and La Guillotière (7th arrondissement);
- Vaise and Gorges de Loup (9th arrondissement).
Lyon, along with Paris and Marseille, is one of only three French cities to be divided in this way. Its first arrondissements were created in 1852.
There are other areas slightly outside the center, which we recommend you take into consideration when looking for accommodation in Lyon. These include :
- Villeurbanne;
- Caluire-et-Cuire;
- Tassin and Ecully;
- Sainte Foy and Francheville;
- Saint Cyr and Saint Didier.
These towns are part of the Lyon metropolitan area, also known as “Grand Lyon”.
The city center is very urban and easy to get around, but if you want something more rural, the suburbs of Lyon still have a traditional feel. Each neighborhood has its vibe and character, and they're great options, especially if you drive or work outside the city center.
Most students prefer to live near the main universities, which are in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 8th districts in central Lyon. That's also where you'll find the bulk of the student housing, which we'll discuss more later.
Finding accommodation in Lyon
If you're relocating to Lyon, you can begin your housing search online before your arrival. The rental market in Lyon is lively, with numerous listings available on the web, making it beneficial to explore options before moving to Lyon.
However, for expatriates, it's advisable to use the services of a real estate agent, especially if you're not fluent in French. You'll need to pay half the fee at the start of the search and the other half once the lease has been signed. Among the most active real estate agencies in Lyon, you can contact the following:
Real estate agents can help you find the property that fits your needs and budget in the area you want, but that's not the only way to find a place in Lyon! You can also check out private owners' listings on sites like Le Bon Coin, Se Loger, and Paru Vendu. Just contact the owners directly to set up a visit. Another option is to walk around the neighborhoods you like and look for any "For Rent" or "For Sale" signs if you're looking to buy.
Good to know:
Be cautious of scams when considering private listings. Never make any payments before personally visiting the property and signing the lease. If the rent appears unusually low compared to similar properties, there's likely a catch involved.
Finding student accommodation in Lyon
As mentioned, Lyon, the 11th biggest student city in France, is super popular with students from all over. Because of that, there are tons of student housing options, especially near the universities and top schools in Lyon.
If you're planning to study in Lyon, you'll find accommodation easily, from rooms in rented apartments to studios, apartments, and student residences.
Student residences are the cheapest and most popular housing option in France. The public organization CROUS, the Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires, helps students with financial aid, including housing, so they can find a place to live for the whole school year. The good news is that international students can also apply for this housing if they meet certain requirements – check out the section for foreign students to learn more. Since these residences are in really high demand, we recommend applying as early as possible to improve your chances of getting accepted on time.
If you don't want to stay in a hall of residence, whether by choice, necessity, or refusal, it is possible to rent shared apartments and rooms at affordable rates. Many of them are already furnished, so you can save money when you arrive, although some offers don't include furniture. It's a good idea to check with the landlord to be sure. For your research, we recommend the following websites:
Short-stay accommodation in Lyon
If you're coming to Lyon for a short stay (under 3 months or just for vacation) or to scope things out before moving here, you can find great tourist accommodations all over the city. As a popular destination, Lyon is well set up to host visitors, with options to suit everyone. You'll find cozy family-run hotels, luxurious five-star hotels right downtown, vacation apartments and homes, B&Bs, and youth hostels with dorms and private rooms for the adventurous. To search for a place to stay in Lyon, check out Booking.com and Airbnb, the most popular sites in France. Gîtes de France is also good, and Hostelworld and Couchsurfing are great for budget travelers.
Prices depend on what type of accommodation you book, the neighborhood, and the season. Lyon is especially popular around the Fête des Lumières, Christmas, and in the summer when the weather is nice.
Buying a house or apartment in Lyon
If you're considering a move to Lyon and thinking about buying a house, you might be asking yourself: Can foreigners purchase property in France? The good news is that you can, provided you have the appropriate residence permits or are from an EU or Schengen area country.
EU member resident in France
You can buy a property in France, facilitating the bank or notary's procedures by providing translated documents such as your birth certificate, family record book, or foreign bank statement.
EU citizens not resident in France
Since you're not a French citizen or permanent resident, your case will be handled by a different department, and you'll also need to provide translations of your documents.
Non-EU member
You'll need to get a long-stay visa or residence permit for France. The bank's special department will handle your case, but don't worry — it won't be any harder to buy the property — it'll just take a bit longer to go through the process.
With the area becoming more popular in recent years, home prices have gone up to match the high demand. Generally, the closer you are to downtown Lyon and the lower numbered districts, the more expensive it is, while prices get lower as you look in the suburbs. On average, apartments cost around 5200 euros per square meter, ranging from about 3500 to 6700 euros. Houses average 5100 euros per square meter, going from 2250 euros on the low end up to 7400 euros on the high end, based on estimates from January 2024.
If you're looking to buy, it's a good idea to work with a real estate agent. They can help you find your dream home for the best price, whether you want to be right downtown or way out in the countryside.
Useful links:
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