City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Brussels vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo barely covers basics in Brussels.
Lyon
Moderate
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,119 | $991 | +$128 |
| Groceries | $290 | $377 | $87 |
| Dining Out | $194 | $223 | $29 |
| Transportation | $40 | $78 | $38 |
| Utilities | $189 | $181 | +$8 |
| Other / Misc | $168 | $150 | +$18 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$2,000
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,468
per month
Only $1,468/mo in Lyon matches $2,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $2,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $2,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,119 to rent, $290 to groceries, $194 to dining.
Can I live in Lyon on $2,000/month?
In Lyon, $2,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $991 rent, $377 groceries, $223 dining.
Is Brussels or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Brussels worth in Lyon?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,468/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.