Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Nepal

France
Based on our comparison, Kathmandu wins 7 out of 8 categories.Lyon wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Kathmandu and Lyon, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Kathmandu
$365/mo
Best Internet
Lyon
200 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Kathmandu
6.5/10
Our Recommendation: Kathmandu is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Kathmandu and Lyon for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Kathmandu offers a more affordable lifestyle at $365/month compared to Lyon's $1,704/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Lyon provides faster connectivity at 200 Mbps compared to Kathmandu's 35 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.4/10, Kathmandu provides a more secure environment than Lyon (4.1/10).
Overall: Kathmandu earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.5/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Kathmandu is 79% cheaper than Lyon.
Kathmandu has a higher safety score (6.4/10) compared to Lyon (4.1/10).
6.4/10
Kathmandu
4.1/10
Lyon
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Lyon offers faster internet at 200 Mbps vs 35 Mbps.
35 Mbps
Kathmandu
200 Mbps
Lyon
Based on our analysis, Kathmandu edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Kathmandu: Best for budget-conscious expats
Lyon: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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