City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Basel vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Basel
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 85.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Basel.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Basel | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $830 | $744 | +$86 |
| Groceries | $268 | $283 | $15 |
| Dining Out | $158 | $168 | $10 |
| Transportation | $34 | $59 | $25 |
| Utilities | $86 | $136 | $50 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $110 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Basel
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$704
per month
Only $704/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in Basel — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Basel on $1,500/month?
Living in Basel on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$830 to rent, $268 to groceries, $158 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 Basel or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Basel 85.9 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Basel worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Basel equals ~$704/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.