Lyon logs 31 hot days a year to Nantes's 8 — Nantes wins by 23. Nantes also leads on frost days by 26.

Lyon runs about $2,243/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Nantes's $2,157/mo — Nantes comes in $86 cheaper each month, roughly 4% less.

On mobility, Lyon scores 3.6 vs Nantes's 3.2 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on walkability. Nantes still holds an edge on motorbike/scooter efficiency.

Lyon and Nantes score neck-and-neck on culture (3.6 vs 3.5, 0–5 scale).

Lyon and Nantes score neck-and-neck on nature & outdoors (3.8 vs 4.0, 0–5 scale).

Nantes's safety score is ~1.4× Lyon's — in the upper band, while Lyon lands in the middle of the scale, with the biggest gap on walking safety.

Lyon and Nantes score neck-and-neck on career (3.2 vs 3.3, 0–5 scale).

Lyon and Nantes score neck-and-neck on social & community (2.7 vs 2.8, 0–5 scale).

On food & dining, Lyon scores 3.0 vs Nantes's 2.6 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on vegan & vegetarian options.

On family, Lyon scores 3.1 vs Nantes's 2.7 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on international schools. Nantes still holds an edge on universities.

On healthcare, Nantes scores 3.7 vs Lyon's 3.0 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on public healthcare quality.

Lyon averages 10.6 µg/m³ (moderate) PM2.5 annually versus Nantes's 8.6 µg/m³ (good) — Nantes breathes ~18% cleaner air (1.9 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here