Visual comparison (radar)
Pros and cons
Lyon
+ Strengths
- More affordable price per m² (3,055 € vs 4,518 €)
- Better quality of life (score 71/100 vs 65/100)
- Better-rated housing stock (EPC A+B+C: 29.1 % vs 24.8 %)
− Weaknesses
- Lower overall score (51/100 vs 61/100)
- Limited accessibility (6/100 vs 25/100)
Marseille
+ Strengths
- Higher overall score (61/100 vs 51/100)
- Better accessibility (transport, services) (25/100 vs 6/100)
- Larger demographic pool (886,040 vs 519,127 inhabitants)
− Weaknesses
- Higher price per m² (4,518 € vs 3,055 €)
- Lower quality of life (score 65/100 vs 71/100)
- Worse-rated housing stock (EPC A+B+C: 24.8 % vs 29.1 %)
Detailed scores
| Dimension | Lyon | Marseille |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51 | 61 |
| Yield | 15 | 51 |
| Quality of life | 71 | 65 |
| Economic dynamism | 98 | 99 |
| Accessibility | 6 | 25 |
| Safety | 88 | 87 |
| EPC | 50 | 50 |
Key data
| Indicator | Lyon | Marseille |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 519,127 | 886,040 |
| Price per m² (apt) | 3,055 € | 4,518 € |
| Rent per m² | — | — |
| Gross yield | — | — |
| EPC A+B+C | 29.1 % | 24.8 % |
| FTTH fiber | 0.0 % | 0.0 % |
| Historic monuments | 242 | 110 |
| Identified risks | 17 | 15 |
Price per m² evolution
Frequently asked questions
Where is the price per m² more accessible between Lyon and Marseille?
On the apartment market, Lyon is more affordable with a median price of 3,055 €/m² vs 4,518 €/m² for the other city (source: French Land Registry DVF, latest year available).
Should you invest in Lyon or Marseille?
According to the ScorCity overall score (weighted average of 6 dimensions: yield, quality of life, dynamism, accessibility, safety, EPC), Marseille scores 61/100 vs 51/100. This gap reflects long-term investment criteria — make sure your profile (first-time buyer, rental investor, second home) aligns with the city's dominant profile.
Which city offers the best quality of life: Lyon or Marseille?
Lyon scores higher on quality of life (71/100 vs 65/100). This score aggregates density, green spaces, air quality, cultural facilities and public services quality. It remains indicative and does not capture personal preferences (climate, urban vibe).
What is the population difference between Lyon and Marseille?
Marseille is more populated with 886,040 inhabitants vs 519,127 for the other city (source: INSEE, latest census). A more populated city generally offers a more liquid rental market but stronger purchase competition.
Methodology. Scores are computed from public open-data sources (INSEE, French Land Registry DVF, rental observatory, ADEME EPC). No weight is influenced by any commercial partner. See the full methodology.