Lyon logs 31 hot days a year to Paris's 9 — Paris wins by 22. Paris also leads on frost days by 17.

Lyon runs about $2,243/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Paris's $2,953/mo — Lyon comes in $710 cheaper each month, roughly 32% less.

On mobility, Paris scores 4.6 vs Lyon's 3.6 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on flight connectivity. Lyon still holds an edge on car efficiency.

Paris's culture score of 4.7 sits well above Lyon's 3.6, with the biggest gap on arts & culture.

Paris's nature & outdoors score of 4.7 sits well above Lyon's 3.8, with the biggest gap on forest access. Lyon still holds an edge on mountain access.

Lyon's safety score is ~1.3× Paris's — in the middle of the scale, while Paris lands below average, with the biggest gap on road safety. Paris still holds an edge on wildfire safety.

Paris's career score of 4.9 sits well above Lyon's 3.2, with the biggest gap on career opportunities.

Paris's social & community score of 3.1 sits well above Lyon's 2.7, with the biggest gap on expat-first community.

On food & dining, Paris scores 4.2 vs Lyon's 3.0 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on brunch availability.

On family, Paris scores 4.1 vs Lyon's 3.1 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on international schools.

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

Lyon averages 10.6 µg/m³ (moderate) PM2.5 annually versus Paris's 10.1 µg/m³ (moderate) — Paris breathes ~5% cleaner air (0.5 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here