Lyon, France
Lyon, France is a Europe base for digital nomads with a typical solo monthly cost around $2400, average internet around 130 Mbps, and a safety score of 8/10. In our dataset the friendliest months are Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, while rainy months to plan around are Nov, Dec. Place feel leans urban with vibes tagged foodie, workhub. Visa: Initial Talent Passport: up to 1460 days. Application required; eligibility and renewals vary, verify official sources. Time zone UTC+1.
Key stats for digital nomads
- Cost of living (solo / month): $2400
- Long-term monthly estimate: $1800
- Median Airbnb (night): $109 (estimate)
- Internet: 130 Mbps (reliability 8/10 (estimate))
- Power grid stability: 9/10 (estimate)
- Coworking density: Med
- Safety: 8/10 (female safety 7/10)
- Visa: Initial Talent Passport: up to 1460 days. Application required; eligibility and renewals vary, verify official sources.
- Timezone: UTC+1
- Language: French
- Region: Europe
- Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
- Rainy months: Nov, Dec
- Avg temperature: 12°C
Vibe tags
- foodie
- workhub
Landscape
- urban
Why go
- Food capital
- UNESCO
- Central
Trade-offs
- Less international than Paris
Quick answers
How much does it cost to live in Lyon as a digital nomad?
About $2400 a month for a solo nomad, based on Nomad Spin's data. For longer stays, our long-term monthly estimate is $1800. The median Airbnb estimate is $109 a night, which matters most if you book short stays instead of a monthly rental.
Is the internet in Lyon good enough for video calls?
Yes, for most calls. Nomad Spin lists average speeds around 130 Mbps with estimated reliability 8/10 and power grid stability 9/10. Coworking density is Medium, so shortlist a coworking space early. Test your own apartment's connection before a long stay.
How long can I stay in France as a digital nomad?
Up to 1460 days on the initial Talent Passport, per Nomad Spin's data. It is an application-based route, so eligibility, income rules and renewals vary by applicant. Short visits without it follow normal entry rules. Verify current requirements with official France government pages before you apply.
When is the best time to live in Lyon?
April to June and September to October are the best months in Nomad Spin's data. The rainy months to plan around are November and December, and the average temperature is about 12 C. Other months carry no weather flag in our data.
Is Lyon safe for solo female travelers?
Mostly, with normal precautions. Lyon scores 8/10 for overall safety and 7/10 for female safety in Nomad Spin's data. LGBTQ+ friendliness scores 7/10. Use normal city precautions and check recent local advice for the area you book.
Who should skip Lyon as a nomad base?
Skip Lyon if this trade-off is a dealbreaker: less international than Paris. It is the only one Nomad Spin lists so far. Its listed strengths are food capital, UNESCO and central. English proficiency scores 5/10 in our data.
Find your next base
Compare Lyon against your budget, internet, and safety floors, then spin the globe for a match, or browse more nomad guides.