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Lyon vs Paris

Real-estate investment score — comparative analysis across 7 dimensions

Verdict — Both cities are very close: 51/100 for Lyon vs 50/100 for Paris. The choice depends on your priorities. Lyon is more accessible price-wise.

Visual comparison (radar)

Pros and cons

Lyon

+ Strengths
  • More affordable price per m² (3,055 € vs 9,654 €)
  • Better accessibility (transport, services) (6/100 vs 1/100)
  • Better safety (88/100 vs 85/100)
  • Better-rated housing stock (EPC A+B+C: 29.1 % vs 18.0 %)
− Weaknesses
  • Lower quality of life (score 71/100 vs 79/100)
  • More identified risks (17 vs 2)

Paris

+ Strengths
  • Better quality of life (score 79/100 vs 71/100)
  • Fewer identified natural/technological risks (2 vs 17)
  • Larger demographic pool (2,103,778 vs 519,127 inhabitants)
− Weaknesses
  • Higher price per m² (9,654 € vs 3,055 €)
  • Limited accessibility (1/100 vs 6/100)
  • Lower safety (85/100 vs 88/100)
  • Worse-rated housing stock (EPC A+B+C: 18.0 % vs 29.1 %)

Detailed scores

DimensionLyonParis
Overall score5150
Yield1512
Quality of life7179
Economic dynamism9899
Accessibility61
Safety8885
EPC5050

Key data

IndicatorLyonParis
Population519,1272,103,778
Price per m² (apt)3,055 €9,654 €
Rent per m²31.5 €
Gross yield3.9 %
EPC A+B+C29.1 %18.0 %
FTTH fiber0.0 %0.0 %
Historic monuments2420
Identified risks172

Price per m² evolution

Frequently asked questions

Where is the price per m² more accessible between Lyon and Paris?
On the apartment market, Lyon is more affordable with a median price of 3,055 €/m² vs 9,654 €/m² for the other city (source: French Land Registry DVF, latest year available).
Should you invest in Lyon or Paris?
Both cities have very close investment scores (51/100 for Lyon vs 50/100 for Paris) under our multi-criteria methodology. The choice should depend on your personal priorities: yield, quality of life, taxation, geographic proximity. Check the detailed city profiles to decide.
Which city offers the best quality of life: Lyon or Paris?
Paris scores higher on quality of life (79/100 vs 71/100). 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 Paris?
Paris is more populated with 2,103,778 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.