City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Berlin vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Berlin
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Berlin.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Berlin | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $729 | $744 | $15 |
| Groceries | $250 | $283 | $33 |
| Dining Out | $164 | $168 | $4 |
| Transportation | $48 | $59 | $11 |
| Utilities | $199 | $136 | +$63 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $110 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Berlin
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,380
per month
Only $1,380/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in Berlin — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Berlin on $1,500/month?
Living in Berlin on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$729 to rent, $250 to groceries, $164 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 Berlin or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Berlin 43.8 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Berlin worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Berlin equals ~$1,380/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.