Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 17 / 20

  Lyon is rated very walkable, with a Walk Score of 83/100 and top national rankings for pedestrian comfort and short access times to amenities.

  Sources:

  • Walk Score – Lyon
  • Rue89Lyon – palmarès villes marchables
  • Le Bonbon – Lyon top 5 pedestrian-friendly cities
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 8 / 10

  Lyon is a major French rail hub with Part-Dieu and Perrache stations offering frequent TGV and regional connections across France and to neighboring countries.

  Sources:

  • SNCF – Lyon Part-Dieu station
  • SNCF – Lyon Perrache station
• Public Transitⓘ 8 / 10

  Lyon’s TCL network provides 4 metro lines, 7 tram lines, and 140+ bus routes, giving dense, multimodal coverage of the metropolitan area.

  Sources:

  • TCL – Lyon public transport network
  • SYTRAL Mobilités – network overview
• Affordabilityⓘ 6 / 10

  Lyon’s costs are moderate, with Numbeo listing a 69.6 cost-of-living index, rent at 21.7, and higher groceries and restaurant prices than many peers.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo Lyon cost of living
  • Numbeo France cost of living rankings
  • ECB HICP France
• Safetyⓘ 5 / 10

  Lyon’s safety is below average, with Numbeo showing a crime index near 59 and a safety index near 41, plus low night-walking safety.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo Lyon crime
  • Numbeo Europe crime rankings
  • Numbeo Lyon crime ranking 2026
• Air Qualityⓘ 6 / 10

  EEA data show Lyon frequently exceeds WHO NO2 guidelines but meets PM2.5 limits most days, reflecting mixed yet generally acceptable air quality.

  Sources:

  • EEA – Air quality in Lyon
  • WHO – Air quality guidelines
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 8 / 10

  Numbeo reports a Quality of Life Index for Lyon in the high 160s, combining good healthcare, climate, and commuting with moderate cost of living.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Lyon Quality of Life
• Food Cultureⓘ 10 / 10

  Lyon is famed as France’s culinary capital, with numerous bouchons and 20+ Michelin‑listed restaurants, including starred establishments.

  Sources:

  • Michelin Guide – Lyon restaurants
  • ONLYLYON Tourism – gastronomy
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 8 / 10

  With extensive TCL transit, bike‑sharing and a low‑emission zone in central districts, living without a car in much of Lyon is practical.

  Sources:

  • TCL – Lyon public transport network
  • ONLYLYON – getting around
  • Ville de Lyon – Zone à faibles émissions

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €2,150 – €2,500
• Monthly transit pass €76

Typical prices

• Inexpensive meal €17
• Dinner for two (mid-range) €75
• Cappuccino €3.6
• Beer (0.5L) €7
• Groceries / month €330

Prices are indicative and vary by season and venue.

Food guide

Lyon is widely recognized as France's gastronomic capital, with a food identity built around bouchons, market cooking, and hearty regional specialties. Its cuisine blends silk-worker traditions, nose-to-tail cooking, and produce-led bistro culture, making it especially rewarding for travelers who want classic French food without Parisian formality.

Signature dishes

• Quenelle de brochetLight pike dumpling, often baked and served with crayfish-based sauce Nantua.
• Salade lyonnaiseFrisée salad with lardons, croutons, and a poached egg.
• AndouilletteRustic tripe sausage seasoned with wine, onions, and spices.
• Gâteau de foie de volailleSavory chicken-liver flan or cake with a soft, soufflé-like texture.
• Gratin dauphinoisSlow-baked potatoes with milk and/or cream, garlic, and seasoning.
• Cervelle de canutHerbed fromage blanc spread traditionally eaten with bread or potatoes.
• Praline tartSweet tart filled with pink praline cream, a Lyon dessert classic.

Where to eat

• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse food hallThe city’s most famous gourmet market hall, with many specialty stalls and sit-down counters.
• Le Garet bouchonClassic Lyonnais cooking in a traditional, old-school bouchon setting.
• Daniel et Denise bouchonOne of Lyon’s best-known addresses for hearty local dishes and a reliable traditional menu.
• Brasserie Georges brasserieA historic grand brasserie known for classic French fare and a lively dining room.
• Le Mercière bouchonPopular with visitors for a central location and a recognizable Lyonnais menu.
• Le Bouchon des Filles bouchonA modern, welcoming take on the bouchon tradition with a strong local reputation.

Markets & food shopping

• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
• Marché Saint-Antoine Célestins
• Marché de la Croix-Rousse
• Marché de Monplaisir