{"id":25299,"date":"2026-07-15T18:39:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T13:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/?p=25299"},"modified":"2026-07-15T18:39:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T13:09:48","slug":"cost-of-living-in-lyon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/student-finances\/cost-of-living-in-lyon\/","title":{"rendered":"Cost of Living in Lyon for Students: 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

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,\u00a0the real deal\u00a0of living in a new country could seem like a challenge.\u00a0The\u00a0cost of living in Lyon<\/strong>\u00a0may feel intimidating at a glance, especially when it comes to accommodation expenses.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Lyon is one of the most affordable and student-friendly cities in France,\u00a0significantly cheaper than\u00a0the cost of living in Paris<\/a><\/strong>!\u00a0With this guide on\u00a0the\u00a0cost of living in Lyon for students<\/strong>, you will get a lot of useful information about what exactly it costs and how to cope with it. As of 2026,\u00a0the\u00a0cost of living in Lyon for students is between \u20ac1,375 and \u20ac1,965 per\u00a0month,\u00a0<\/strong>which is\u00a0much lower than Paris\u00a0and\u00a0completely manageable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyon welcomes over 180,000 students every year\u00a0with\u00a0top universities like Claude Bernard University and Sciences Po Lyon.\u00a0<\/strong>Known as the \u201cGastronomic Capital\u201d of France. The city is between the Rh\u00f4ne and\u00a0Sa\u00f4ne\u00a0rivers, offering\u00a0beautiful waterfront views.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s\u00a0break it all down! From\u00a0student\u00a0accommodation\u00a0Lyon<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to food, transport, and other costs, so you can prepare confidently for your study abroad journey in the best student\u00a0residence.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Lyon\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0average monthly cost of living in Lyon for students is between \u20ac1,375 and \u20ac1,965.<\/strong>\u00a0In this, the largest proportion of expenditure goes towards housing. Students\u00a0who\u00a0opt for\u00a0affordable\u00a0student\u00a0housing\u00a0or live in groups or opt for the all-inclusive type spend less compared to their counterparts. The\u00a0international student living cost in Lyon<\/strong>\u00a0varies depending on the choice of lifestyle and location.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s\u00a0a realistic monthly breakdown for 2026 for a student living in\u00a0Lyon:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expense Category<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>Monthly Cost (\u20ac)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Accommodation Rent<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>569 \u2013 830\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Groceries & Food<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>250 \u2013 350\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>241\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Internet & Mobile<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>29 (Internet) + 12 (Mobile)\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Public Transport<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>74\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Social Life (Restaurants, Cinema, Leisure)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>120 \u2013 250\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Study Materials<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>30 \u2013 60\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Extra Expenses<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>80 \u2013 150\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Total Estimated Cost<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>1,375 \u2013 1,965\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you\u00a0want more\u00a0accurate\u00a0budget planning,\u00a0you can use the\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Cost of Living\u00a0Calculator by University Living<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Student Accommodation Costs in Lyon\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a0good\u00a0range of student\u00a0apartments\u00a0to suit every budget and lifestyle.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, international students prefer purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) because\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0secure, fully furnished, and is an\u00a0all-inclusive student\u00a0flats\u00a0in Lyon. These properties are specifically made for students and include utility bills like electricity, water, heating, and internet in the rent.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Student Accommodation in Lyon\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n