Moving to Lyon, France

Nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon seamlessly blends 2,000 years of rich history with a dynamic and forward-thinking tech scene. While often overshadowed by Paris, Lyon has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s leading hubs for innovation, entrepreneurship, and quality of life. From its UNESCO-listed Old Town and world-renowned gastronomy to its thriving startups and research centers, Lyon offers the perfect balance between heritage and high-tech opportunities, making it an ideal destination for professionals and families alike.

🌟 Why Tech Professionals are Moving to Lyon

Lyon is a rising star in the European tech landscape. The city is home to La French Tech Lyon-Saint-Étienne, a key regional hub that nurtures startups and scale-ups in AI, medtech, cleantech, and digital services. According to French Tech Central, Lyon boasts hundreds of tech companies and a steady flow of investment, making it one of the top 3 French cities for tech employment.

• Silicon Lyon: Areas like Part-Dieu and Confluence are buzzing with coworking spaces, accelerators, and R&D centers.
• Big players such as BioMérieux, Sanofi, Capgemini, and EDF are deeply rooted here.
• The city hosts EM Lyon Business School and INSA Lyon, producing some of France’s best tech talent.

For tech professionals, Lyon offers strong job prospects with lower living costs than Paris, without sacrificing urban sophistication or access to top employers.

🏡 What Makes Lyon Irresistible for Lifestyle Seekers

Lyon is often ranked among the best cities to live in France thanks to its balance of economic vitality and livability. Whether you’re a curious explorer or someone looking to settle down:

• Culture lovers will adore Lyon’s opera house, art museums, and Roman amphitheaters.
• Foodies are spoiled in the gastronomic capital of France—this is the birthplace of famed chef Paul Bocuse and home to countless Bouchons Lyonnais (local taverns).
• Nature enthusiasts enjoy proximity to the Alps, Beaujolais vineyards, and riverside parks for weekend getaways.
• Families appreciate the excellent schools, healthcare, and safe, community-focused neighborhoods.

According to INSEE (France’s national statistics institute), the Lyon metropolitan area continues to grow, attracting both international professionals and young families drawn by its job market, quality of life, and strategic location.

With direct high-speed trains to Paris in just 2 hours, a major international airport, and a highly walkable city center, Lyon feels connected, dynamic, and deeply local all at once.

🏙️ City Lifestyle: A Rhythmic Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Life in Lyon moves at a pace that feels just right—not too fast, not too slow. It offers the urban pulse of a major European city, but with the intimacy and charm of a well-kept secret. Locals start their day with a café crème at a corner terrace, stroll through bustling markets like Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, and enjoy a riverside jog or bike ride along the Rhône after work.

• Work-Life Balance is taken seriously. Most shops close on Sundays, and long lunch breaks are common, even in tech.
• Social life is vibrant, with a thriving café culture, open-air cinemas, and countless community events across seasons.
• Green spaces like Parc de la Tête d'Or (France’s largest urban park) offer the perfect escape for downtime or family picnics.
• For digital nomads and techies, coworking spaces like Hiptown and Now Coworking provide flexible, community-driven work environments.

Whether you're a tech professional hustling in Confluence or a creative soul catching indie films in Croix-Rousse, Lyon encourages balance and belonging.

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🎭 Cultural Highlights and Attractions

Lyon’s culture is rich, layered, and always evolving. The city is often called France’s cultural capital outside of Paris, and for good reason:

• Vieux Lyon is a medieval quarter packed with Renaissance architecture, hidden traboules (passageways), and artisan shops.
• Fourvière Basilica offers panoramic city views and hosts the iconic Nuits de Fourvière, a world-renowned summer festival of music, theater, and dance.
• La Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in December transforms the entire city into an immersive light show that draws millions of visitors.
• Contemporary art and tech come together at venues like La Sucrière and Musée des Confluences, the latter being a futuristic museum exploring science, anthropology, and innovation.
• Cinema fans will appreciate that Lyon is the birthplace of cinema, with the Institut Lumière celebrating the legacy of the Lumière brothers.

Culture here isn’t just preserved—it’s alive and interactive, constantly inviting residents to engage, explore, and participate.

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📍 Popular Neighborhoods: Where to Live and Thrive

Each part of Lyon offers a unique flavor, catering to different lifestyles—from tech expats and young professionals to creatives and families.

La Presqu'île

• Vibe: Historic, central, and stylish.
• Best for: Urbanites, professionals, nightlife lovers.
• Perks: Walkability, shopping streets (Rue de la République), opera house, restaurants, and access to both rivers.

Part-Dieu

• Vibe: Lyon’s business and tech epicenter.
• Best for: Tech professionals, commuters, job seekers.
• Perks: Home to Lyon’s biggest train station, high-rise office buildings, and key coworking hubs.

Confluence

• Vibe: Futuristic and eco-conscious.
• Best for: Digital creatives, entrepreneurs, modern architecture fans.
• Perks: Smart buildings, riverside living, and the striking Musée des Confluences.

Croix-Rousse

• Vibe: Bohemian and artistic.
• Best for: Artists, students, and families.
• Perks: Hilly streets, artisanal markets, a strong sense of community, and sweeping views.

Monplaisir

• Vibe: Calm and residential.
• Best for: Families, especially expat families.
• Perks: Home to Institut Lumière, excellent schools, parks, and a village-like atmosphere.

Villeurbanne

• Vibe: Up-and-coming and multicultural.
• Best for: Students, budget-conscious newcomers.
• Perks: Affordable rents, proximity to universities, vibrant local life.

Each neighborhood offers something distinct, and thanks to Lyon’s efficient public transport (TCL network), commuting across districts is easy and eco-friendly.

Living in Lyon means enjoying a high quality of life without the extreme prices of Paris or other major European capitals. It strikes a sweet spot: more affordable than many tech hubs but still brimming with opportunity, culture, and convenience.

💸 Breakdown of Major Expenses

🏠 Housing

Renting in Lyon is relatively affordable, especially compared to cities like Paris or Geneva. As of early 2024:

• One-bedroom apartment (city center): €850–€1,100/month

• One-bedroom apartment (outside center): €600–€850/month

• Three-bedroom apartment (city center): €1,600–€2,200/month

• Three-bedroom apartment (outside center): €1,200–€1,600/month

  (Source: Numbeo – Lyon)

⚡ Utilities

Utilities are standard for French cities:

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for an 85 m² apartment: €140–€200/month

• Internet (fiber or ADSL): Around €30/month

  Tip: Check providers like Orange, SFR, or Free for competitive deals.

🚇 Transportation

Lyon has one of the best public transport systems in France through the TCL network (metro, tram, bus, and funicular):

• Monthly pass: €69

• Single ticket: €1.90 (valid for 1 hour, unlimited transfers)

• Annual subscriptions and youth/student discounts are widely available.

  (Source: TCL Lyon)

🥖 Groceries and Dining

Groceries are well-priced, and markets offer excellent fresh produce:

• Milk (1 liter): €1.20

• Bread (baguette or loaf): €1.30–€2.00

• Eggs (12): €3.00

• Chicken breast (1 kg): €10.50

• Local cheese (1 kg): €12–€16

• Mid-range restaurant meal (per person): €18–€30

  (Source: Numbeo, local market data)

Want to go fancy? A tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant can range from €70 to €150.

🎟️ Entertainment and Leisure

From concerts to cinema and climbing gyms, Lyon caters to all tastes:

• Cinema ticket: €11
• Fitness club membership: €30–€50/month
• Cultural events: Many museums offer reduced or free entry days; major festivals like Nuits de Fourvière can range from €25–€60 per show.

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📊 Comparison with Other Cities

• Compared to Paris, Lyon is 20–30% cheaper across rent, groceries, and dining.
• In comparison to Zurich or Geneva, Lyon is over 40% less expensive, especially in housing and healthcare.
• Versus other French cities:
  • Cheaper than Nice and Bordeaux
  • Slightly pricier than Toulouse or Nantes, but with more economic opportunities in tech.

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Lyon offers a high return on lifestyle—you get rich culture, strong infrastructure, and growing job prospects without the extreme price tag. For tech professionals, that means more disposable income and a chance to build long-term roots in one of France’s most exciting cities.

Lyon’s tech scene is thriving, and salaries reflect its status as one of France’s most important innovation hubs. While slightly lower than Paris, Lyon’s tech salaries offer strong purchasing power thanks to the city’s lower cost of living.

Salary Ranges by Experience Level

Here’s what tech professionals can expect in Lyon as of early 2025, based on the latest data:

Software Engineers

• Entry-level (0–2 years): €35,000–€41,000+/year

• Mid-level (3–5 years): €45,000–€52,000+/year

• Senior-level (6+ years): €58,000–€75,000+/year

Data Analysts

• Entry-level: €32,000–€38,000+/year

• Mid-level: €40,000–€48,000+/year

• Senior-level: €50,000–€62,000+/year

AI & Machine Learning Engineers

• Entry-level: €40,000–€47,000+/year

• Mid-level: €50,000–€62,000+/year

• Senior-level: €68,000–€88,000+/year

DevOps Engineers / SysAdmins

• Entry-level: €36,000–€42,000+/year

• Mid-level: €45,000–€54,000+/year

• Senior-level: €58,000–€72,000+/year

IT Project Managers / Product Managers

• Entry-level: €38,000–€44,000+/year

• Mid-level: €50,000–€58,000+/year

• Senior-level: €65,000–€82,000+/year

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How Lyon Compares

• Nationally: Lyon’s tech salaries are 5–15% below Paris, where software engineers, for example, earn €50,000–€80,000 versus Lyon’s €35,000–€75,000. Still, they exceed France’s national average due to the city’s tech density.
• Regionally: Compared to Nantes or Toulouse, Lyon offers slightly higher pay—e.g., mid-level engineers in Toulouse earn €40,000–€50,000, while Lyon hits €45,000–€52,000—especially in AI and medtech.
• Cost-adjusted: With a cost of living 20–30% lower than Paris (e.g., rent and dining), Lyon’s salaries stretch further, often delivering better net value than in the capital.

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Whether you’re launching a tech career or aiming for a senior role, Lyon provides competitive compensation, a dynamic startup ecosystem, and opportunities to grow with both global giants and local innovators.

Note: The salary figures provided are for reference only. Actual salaries may vary based on multiple factors, including company size, industry, level of expertise, years of experience, and other influencing elements.

Lyon is not just a smart move for professionals—it’s a fantastic city to raise a family. Safe, green, culturally rich, and well-organized, Lyon offers everything from high-quality education to world-class healthcare and kid-friendly amenities.

🏫 Overview of Family Services

Schools and Education

Lyon has a strong mix of public, private, and international schools, making it attractive for both local and expat families.

• Public Schools: Free and run by the French Ministry of Education. Enrollment depends on your address.
• Private Schools: Often Catholic-affiliated, these offer smaller class sizes and structured learning environments.
• International Schools:
  • Cité Scolaire Internationale de Lyon: Highly rated, bilingual curriculum (French/English, German, Spanish, etc.).
  • Ombrosa International School: Offers an English-based curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB).
  • International School of Lyon: Fully English-speaking with a diverse student body.

📌 More info: Education in Lyon for expat families – Expatica

Healthcare

France’s public healthcare system is among the best in Europe, and Lyon benefits from top-tier hospitals and clinics, such as:

• Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL) – a major hospital network with pediatric specialists.
• Clinique du Parc – private care with high satisfaction ratings.

Most residents are covered under l'Assurance Maladie, and private "mutuelle" insurance is common for added coverage.

Childcare Services

Working parents have a wide choice of childcare options:

• Crèches (daycare centers): Public or private, for children under 3. Subsidized spots are in high demand—apply early!
• Assistantes maternelles (licensed nannies): Certified caregivers who provide childcare in their homes.
• After-school care (garderie): Offered by schools until around 6:30 PM.
• Holiday camps (centres de loisirs): Popular during school vacations, organized by the city or associations.

📌 Lyon City Hall's Portal (in French): https://www.lyon.fr/

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Appealing Features for Families

🌳 Parks and Nature

• Parc de la Tête d'Or: A local favorite with a free zoo, botanical garden, lake, and playgrounds.
• Parc de Gerland: Great for sports and wide-open space.
• Berges du Rhône: Safe, bike-friendly paths perfect for family strolls and riverside picnics.

🎨 Attractions & Activities

• Mini World Lyon: A mesmerizing miniature city experience for kids and adults.
• Musée des Confluences: Interactive science and anthropology exhibits, perfect for curious young minds.
• Aquarium de Lyon: Great indoor day trip on rainy days.
• Guignol Puppet Theatre: Traditional Lyonnaise marionette shows that kids love.
• Seasonal Events: From winter holiday markets to summer puppet festivals, there's always something family-focused happening.

🚲 Mobility and Safety

Lyon is a safe and compact city, and its public transport is stroller-friendly. Bike paths and pedestrian zones are abundant, and most neighborhoods have local playgrounds and libraries.

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In short, Lyon is incredibly accommodating to families, offering both the infrastructure and atmosphere that make parenting in the city enjoyable and sustainable. Whether you're enrolling a toddler in preschool or looking for creative weekend plans with teens, Lyon delivers.

Relocating to Lyon is much easier with the right tools. Whether you’re searching for an apartment in the buzzing city center or need help navigating French bureaucracy, these housing platforms and relocation services will set you up for success.

🏡 Housing and Apartment Search

Lyon’s housing market is competitive, especially in central neighborhoods like Presqu'île and Croix-Rousse. These platforms are reliable starting points for finding long- or medium-term rentals:

HousingAnywhere

• Platform with 827+ rental listings in Lyon.
• Simplifies the rental process for internationals.
• https://housinganywhere.com/Lyon--France

SeLoger

• One of France’s largest property portals.
• Listings include private landlords and professional agencies.
• Offers filters by neighborhood, amenities, and budget.
• https://www.seloger.com

Le Bon Coin

• Popular classified ad site (like Craigslist).
• Look under “Immobilier” → “Location” for rental listings.
• Caution: Deals directly with landlords, so always verify listings to avoid scams.
• https://www.leboncoin.fr

PAP (De Particulier à Particulier)

• Focuses on direct-from-owner listings—no agency fees.
• Great for long-term rentals, especially if you're fluent in French.
• https://www.pap.fr

Lodgis

• English-friendly platform for furnished rentals.
• Specializes in expat housing, ideal for remote workers or temporary relocations.
• https://www.lodgis.com

Spotahome

• Verified video tours and remote booking.
• Excellent for students, digital nomads, and expats.
• https://www.spotahome.com

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🧭 Relocation and Expat Services

If you're moving with a family or transitioning for a job, consider hiring a relocation expert to assist with housing, paperwork, schools, and more.

Claire Relocation Lyon

• Comprehensive relocation services for companies and employees.
• Handles all formalities for a smooth transition.
• https://www.relocation-lyon.fr

Lyon Relocation

• Assists businesses and individuals with relocations across France.
• Experienced in corporate mobility since 2009.
• https://lyon-relocation.fr

Erias Lyon

• Led by Eric Stemmann, specializing in administrative support.
• Helps individuals and employees settle in Lyon seamlessly.
• https://eriaslyon.com

Expat Agency Lyon

• Personalized services for housing, immigration, and local integration.
• Great reputation among international professionals.
• https://www.expat-agency-lyon.com

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✨ Tips for a Smooth Relocation

• Start your housing search 2–3 months before arrival, especially if you’re moving in summer.
• Prepare documents: French landlords often ask for ID, work contract, proof of income, and guarantor details.
• Get a French bank account early—it’s often required for rent and utilities.
• Understand “Garant” services: If you don’t have a French guarantor, look into companies like Garantme that act as a financial backer.

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Whether you're flying in for a tech job or making a long-term lifestyle change, these resources will help you land comfortably and confidently in Lyon.

Lyon is a major player in France’s tech economy, offering strong job prospects, a collaborative innovation ecosystem, and a dynamic network of startups, scale-ups, and multinationals. Whether you're a developer, data analyst, or IT project lead, Lyon has opportunities waiting.

🔍 Current Job Openings

Want to see what roles are available right now in Lyon’s tech scene? Browse curated opportunities tailored to your skills and experience on TieTalent: 👉 Explore Tech Jobs in Lyon on TieTalent

Whether you're already in France or planning to relocate from abroad, TieTalent can help you connect with companies actively hiring in the region.

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🧾 Income Tax in France

France uses a progressive tax system, meaning the more you earn, the higher the tax rate you pay. Income tax is calculated annually, but many people pay a monthly withholding tax (prélèvement à la source), deducted directly from their salary.

• Tax brackets range from 0% to 45% depending on income.
• Your marital status and number of dependents can influence your final tax burden.
• You’ll need to file a tax return annually, even if your taxes are withheld.

To estimate your take-home pay in France based on your gross salary, use TieTalent’s France Income Tax Calculator.