Cost of Living in Lyon for Students: 2026

Have dreams of going to university in France? Well, you are far from being alone in doing so. Students come to study in Lyon because of its great reputation in terms of universities, rich history, world-famous cuisine, and unique French lifestyle. However, the real deal of living in a new country could seem like a challenge. The cost of living in Lyon may feel intimidating at a glance, especially when it comes to accommodation expenses. 

But Lyon is one of the most affordable and student-friendly cities in France, significantly cheaper than the cost of living in Paris! With this guide on the cost of living in Lyon for students, you will get a lot of useful information about what exactly it costs and how to cope with it. As of 2026, the cost of living in Lyon for students is between €1,375 and €1,965 per month, which is much lower than Paris and completely manageable. 

Lyon welcomes over 180,000 students every year with top universities like Claude Bernard University and Sciences Po Lyon. Known as the “Gastronomic Capital” of France. The city is between the Rhône and Saône rivers, offering beautiful waterfront views. 

Let’s break it all down! From student accommodation Lyon to food, transport, and other costs, so you can prepare confidently for your study abroad journey in the best student residence. 

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Lyon 

The average monthly cost of living in Lyon for students is between €1,375 and €1,965. In this, the largest proportion of expenditure goes towards housing. Students who opt for affordable student housing or live in groups or opt for the all-inclusive type spend less compared to their counterparts. The international student living cost in Lyon varies depending on the choice of lifestyle and location. 

Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for 2026 for a student living in Lyon: 

If you want more accurate budget planning, you can use the Cost of Living Calculator by University Living  

Student Accommodation Costs in Lyon 

Accommodation is going to account for most of the money that you spend in Lyon, especially if you are studying here. The choice of housing will have a direct impact on many other aspects in terms of expenses, commuting, security, and social activities as well. Lyon offers a good range of student apartments to suit every budget and lifestyle. 

In most cases, international students prefer purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) because it’s secure, fully furnished, and is an all-inclusive student flats in Lyon. These properties are specifically made for students and include utility bills like electricity, water, heating, and internet in the rent. 

Types of Student Accommodation in Lyon 

Student housing also known as Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSAs) are specially designed for students and these are one of the most popular choices among students. It offers convenience, community living, and proximity to campus, also come in a variety of layouts to cater to different preferences and group sizes:  

• Ensuite Rooms: They are perfect for those who want privacy as well as community vibes. Here, you will be getting a private bedroom with an attached bathroom. With average monthly rent of €550 – €800. 

• Studios: This one is ideal for those who crave independence and don’t like to share anything with anybody. In this, you will get a bed, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Average monthly rent is between €590 – €610. 

• Non-ensuites: These are one of the budget-friendly options out there. Here you will have a private bedroom but the rest of the things like kitchen, bathroom and living area will be shared with monthly rent costs between €450 – €700. 

• Shared Apartments: This one is made for those who are looking for affordability and a sense of belonging. It allows students to share everything from their bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom to their living room, starting from €505/month. 

Private Apartments: For those who like a mix and match of privacy and local experience, private apartments are the ones for you. These apartments come with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living area. They are available for both working professionals and students. 

Accommodation Cost Comparison

The average cost of living in Lyon for students may widely vary depending on the nature of the housing, its location, and facilities available at the place. Be it cheap shared apartment rentals or expensive private studio accommodations, students can opt for those that suit their budget and preferences. Here is an estimate of the monthly rent rates for various types of student housing in Lyon: 

Popular Student Accommodation Options in Lyon 

Lyon has many accommodations to choose from; these include modern PBSAs and private apartments. Such student houses are quite preferred by international students since they are located near major universities, provide student facilities and easy access to the city. 

Here are some most booked student apartments in Lyon: 

Saint Louis 

• Address: 37 Rue du Béguin, 69007 Lyon, France 

• Starting from: €629/month 

• Room Types: Private apartments and studios 

• Best For: Students who wants fully furnished halls close to universities and city centre 

• Nearby University: Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 and Sciences Po Lyon 

• Key Amenities: Close to universities, close to city centre, furnished, elevator with bicycle storage 

De Stael 1 

• Address: 17 Rue de Bruxelles, 69100 Villeurbanne, France 

• Starting from: €629/month 

• Room Types: Studios and private rooms 

• Best For: Students who prefer modern all-inclusive apartments with communal areas and Smart TV 

• Nearby University: Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 

• Key Amenities: Close to universities, in proximity to campus, furnished, communal area, and Smart TV 

Floor 7 

• Address: 25 Rue Pauline Kerqomard, 69007 Lyon, France 

• Starting from: €900/month 

• Room Types: Studios and private rooms 

• Best For: Students looking for premium accommodation with flexible booking terms 

• Nearby University: Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 

• Key Amenities: No Visa No Pay, No University No Pay, furnished, reception, and elevator 

Arts Lumière 

• Address: 10 Rue Jacqueline Auriol, 69008 Lyon, France 

• Starting from: €950/month 

• Room Types: Studios and private rooms 

• Best For: Students looking for well-located residence with modern amenities 

• Nearby University: Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 

• Key Amenities: Close to city, modern facilities with student-friendly environment 

Good Morning Lyon Vaise 

• Address: 4 Pass. du Côteau, 69009 Lyon, France 

• Starting from: €1000/month 

• Room Types: Studios and private rooms 

• Best For: Students seeking comfortable fully furnished rooms with a modern vibe 

• Nearby University: Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 

• Key Amenities: No Visa No Pay, No University No Pay, Join Waitlist available 

Looking for the best student accommodation France for international students? Compare verified student homes with University Living and book your home today! 

Best Areas to Live in Lyon 

Managing monthly expenses in Lyon for students can be difficult to plan, especially when considering rent for students. In addition to the costs incurred through rent, selecting suitable student areas in Lyon can make or break your whole stay at university. Below are some of the best student areas in Lyon in terms of rent, transportation services, presence of nearby universities, and friendliness of the environment. 

6th Arrondissement / Brotteaux 

• Average Rent: €700 to €1,000 per month 

• Nearby Universities: Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 

• Transport Convenience: Metro, bus, and tram connections 

• Student Vibe: It is one of the peaceful areas in Lyon known for its beautiful 19th-century buildings and green surroundings. Brotteaux is just 10-15 minutes away from the city centre. This area is famous for the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of Europe’s largest urban parks. 

Presqu’île (1st & 2nd Arrondissements) 

• Average Rent: €650 to €950 per month 

• Nearby Universities: Sciences Po Lyon and Catholic University of Lyon 

• Transport Convenience: Metro and bus connections 

• Student Vibe: This area is between Rhône and Saône rivers. The area is always active, making it a great place for those who like social and energetic lifestyles. 

Croix-Rousse (4th Arrondissement) 

• Average Rent: €600 to €850 per month 

• Nearby Universities: Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 

• Transport Convenience: Metro and bus connections, around 15 minutes from city centre 

• Student Vibe: If you are someone who is looking for a more relaxed and creative vibe, this place is the one for you. Known for its history in silk weaving, it is around 15 minutes away from the city centre. 

Guillotière & Jean Macé (7th Arrondissement) 

• Average Rent: €550 to €800 per month 

• Nearby Universities: Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 

• Transport Convenience: Metro B line, tram, and bus routes 

• Student Vibe: This area is known for its multicultural energy and contemporary student housing. It’s an admirable choice among students moving to Lyon for the first time. 

Top Universities in Lyon 

Lyon is home to some of the top universities in France. These institutions are in increasing demand among domestic and international students. Each institute has a specialty to offer and is suited for a variety of students. 

Food & Grocery Costs in Lyon 

The simplest way of cutting down your student budget in Lyon is to avoid buying food. Restrict your temptation to go out each day because such actions can drain your budget. Rather, you should eat with friends to make it cheaper for you to keep your cost of food in Lyon in budget. 

Buy ingredients from supermarket stores such as Carrefour, Monoprix, Lidl, or ALDI, where the prices are much lower. Lyon is known as the “Gastronomic Capital” of France, but students can enjoy great food without spending a fortune by shopping smart. 

Don’t forget the importance of using student discount apps. Such apps offer discounts in selected grocery shops and food joints. 

Here’s how the cost of food in Lyon typically looks: 

You can now save big on food in Lyon with student discounts and smart home cooking. Shop at Carrefour or Lidl for affordable groceries! 

Transportation Costs in Lyon 

At present getting around Lyon is super easy thanks to its TCL transport network. It includes four metro lines, trams, buses, and Velo’v bike-sharing system. Students get significant discounts on monthly and annual subscriptions. 

The table below gives a clear picture of transportation cost in Lyon for students: 

Student Discount: Students aged under 27 or registered as students receive heavy discounts on TCL monthly/yearly passes. The cost is typically between €28.80 to €33 per month for unlimited travel! 

For an effortless journey abroad, book airport pickup with ULInfinity and stay connected from day one in Lyon 

Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Lyon 

In terms of monthly utility bills in Lyon, most student rooms are all-inclusive meaning electricity, water, heating, and internet are included in the rent. 

This is a huge saving for students! 

If you will need some SIM cards and data for your mobile connection. ULInfinity provides great international student-friendly SIM plans in France with reasonable call and data charges. 

Here’s what a monthly breakdown for students in Lyon look like: 

Without all-inclusive rent, you would pay €240 to €280 per month. But with Lyon’s all-inclusive student accommodation, you can save upto €220-€260 per month! 

Students can easily stay connected with their family abroad using affordable international student-friendly SIM plans from ULInfinity! 

Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Lyon 

Talking about earnings, international students in France can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week during academic terms). The average salary in Lyon is between €11 to €15 per hour based on the kind of job and your age. 

Living in Lyon gives you easy access to job opportunities in catering, tutoring, baby-sitting, and retail. Additionally, you can go for many internships available in the digital, logistics, and tourism sectors. 

Here’s an overview of student part-time wages in Lyon: 

Hidden Costs Students Often Miss 

There are various hidden costs which many international students often do not consider. For example, bedding, visas, and other moving supplies may surprise many students. 

ULInfinity provides guarantor service for students like Room Essentials kit, Flight Tickets, Forex services for your deposit and international money transfers, Student bank account, Health Insurance, and Travel Insurance. 

It’s smart to budget an extra €500 to €1,000 for these setup costs and emergencies. 

Here’s a quick view of the miscellaneous costs for students moving to Lyon: 

To ease your international study experience, secure your journey abroad with trusted student support services from ULInfinity. 

Lyon Tourist Attractions for Students 

With over 2,000 years of history, Lyon helps you move through ancient Roman ruins to trendy art spots all within one afternoon. Everything here is close, walkable, and full of character. Here are some must-visit places while studying in Lyon: 

• Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon): One of Europe’s largest Renaissance neighborhoods, featuring traboules (hidden passageways) and beautiful architecture. 

• Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière: Iconic Basilica offering panoramic views of the entire city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Lyon. 

• Musée Cinéma et Miniature: A unique museum featuring beautiful miniature scenes and film props, located in Vieux Lyon. 

• Musée des Beaux-Arts: One of France’s finest fine arts museums, situated in a 17th-century abbey in the Presqu’île. 

• Parc de la Tête d’Or: One of Europe’s largest urban parks with a lake, botanical garden, zoo, and free activities for students. 

Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in Lyon 

To cope with the cost of living in Lyon, as a student you should adopt the following strategies: 

• Share Accommodation: Splitting rent and bills with roommates significantly lowers your housing costs. Shared apartments start at just €505 per month. 

• Plan Ahead: Reserving student rentals in advance ensures that you pay the lowest possible price. Start looking as soon as you get your university offer. 

• Live Near University: Choosing a place close to campus lets you walk or bike, saving heavily on transport. 

• Choose All-Inclusive Rent: Most Lyon student properties include electricity, water, heating, and internet – avoiding surprise utility bills. 

• Use Public Transport with Student Pass: Get a TCL student pass for unlimited travel at just €28.80 to €33 per month. 

• Cook at Home: Lyon is the food capital, but cooking at home is much less expensive than eating out. Shop at Carrefour, Lidl, or ALDI. 

• Utilize Student Offers: There are several apps that provide student discounts on food, shopping, and leisure. 

• Explore Free Attractions: Enjoy Parc de la Tête d’Or, Vieux Lyon, and the many free museums! 

Is Lyon Affordable for International Students? 

Yes, absolutely! Lyon is one of the affordable major student cities in France and significantly cheaper than Paris. 

Here’s why Lyon is a smart choice for budget-conscious international students: 

You can afford to lead a stress-free life if you choose a suitable student flat for yourself. All you will need is around €1,375 to €1,700 per month. 

Conclusion 

Lyon is great for goal-driven students who desire to study in France without breaking the bank. This lively, historic city offers world-class universities, delicious cuisine, beautiful rivers, and job opportunities – all at an affordable price point. 

With University Living, the process becomes much simpler for you. The accommodation in Lyon like Saint Louis, De Stael 1, Floor 7, Arts Lumière, and Good Morning Lyon Vaise are good examples of comfortable, affordable, and all-inclusive student living. 

ULInfinity also provides you with everything, from room essentials to arranging SIM cards and airport pickups. Whether you need international money transfer, a student bank account, room essentials, or help with flight tickets. 

Yes! Lyon is affordable, student-friendly, and totally worth the investment especially with the savings you make living in this wonderful French city. 

Frequently Asked Questions