City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brisbane vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brisbane
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brisbane.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brisbane | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $859 | $744 | +$115 |
| Groceries | $231 | $283 | $52 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $168 | $22 |
| Transportation | $54 | $59 | $5 |
| Utilities | $82 | $136 | $54 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $110 | +$18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brisbane
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,119
per month
Only $1,119/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in Brisbane — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brisbane on $1,500/month?
Living in Brisbane on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$859 to rent, $231 to groceries, $146 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 Brisbane or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brisbane 54 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brisbane worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brisbane equals ~$1,119/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.