City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $744 | +$186 |
| Groceries | $168 | $283 | $115 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $168 | $49 |
| Transportation | $49 | $59 | $10 |
| Utilities | $94 | $136 | $42 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $110 | +$30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$923
per month
Only $923/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in Amsterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$930 to rent, $168 to groceries, $119 to dining.
Can I live in Lyon on $1,500/month?
In Lyon, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $744 rent, $283 groceries, $168 dining.
Is Amsterdam or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$923/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.