Data last updated: August 2026

Wellington, New ZealandLyon, France

You would need around 9.8% less money in Lyon, France to maintain the same standard of living you have in Wellington, New Zealand.

Overall Cost of Living

9.8%

Lyon, France is cheaper than Wellington, New Zealand

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,265 USD
City B977 USD
Difference-22.8%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A308 USD
City B315 USD
Difference+2.3%

Average Net Salary

City A3,045 USD
City B3,246 USD
Difference+6.6%

Editorial Insight: Swapping Wellington, New Zealand for Lyon, France? Financially, our models show this is an incredibly smooth transition. The overall cost of living is statistically comparable, with only a 9.8% difference. Because your purchasing power remains largely unchanged, the Remote Wealth team suggests focusing your relocation decisions strictly on lifestyle factors—such as climate, culture, and visa logistics—rather than budget constraints.

Pro Tip:Use this smooth transition to immerse yourself in the local vibe. If there's a language barrier, we recommend spending 15 minutes a day on Babbel before you arrive.Check out Babbel

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Wellington, New Zealand and Lyon, France is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Lyon, France to maintain your current lifestyle in Wellington, New Zealand.

USD

You need in Lyon, France

2,746 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Wellington, New Zealand to Lyon, France and investing the 10% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 1.5 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Wellington, New Zealand budget to local Lyon, France prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing977 USD
Groceries315 USD
Utilities & Internet264 USD

Investment Planner

You save 288 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Lyon, France.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~48,384 USD in 10 years.