Bologna vs Lyon: cost of living for digital nomads
Bologna, Italy and Lyon, France, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Bologna is about 8% cheaper than Lyon for a month of nomad living ($1,970 vs $2,140).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $900 in Bologna against $950 in Lyon.
- Both score 8/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Lyon: 200 Mbps typical against 120 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Bologna wins 5 of the measured lines; Lyon wins 1.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Bologna or Lyon?
Bologna is cheaper: about $1,970/month against $2,140/month in Lyon, roughly 8% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Bologna or Lyon?
Bologna and Lyon score the same on safety, 8/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Bologna or Lyon?
Lyon has faster typical internet: 200 Mbps against 120 Mbps in Bologna.
| Line | Bologna | Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,970 | $2,140 |
| Rent | $900 | $950 |
| Food | $480 | $520 |
| Transport | $40 | $70 |
| Coworking | $150 | $160 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 120 | 200 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | mid | metro |
| Setting | inland | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Bologna September 10, 2026, Lyon September 11, 2026.