City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Brussels vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brussels.
Lyon
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,678 | $1,487 | +$191 |
| Groceries | $435 | $566 | $131 |
| Dining Out | $292 | $335 | $43 |
| Transportation | $61 | $117 | $56 |
| Utilities | $283 | $272 | +$11 |
| Other / Misc | $251 | $223 | +$28 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$3,000
per month
Lyon equivalent
$2,202
per month
Only $2,202/mo in Lyon matches $3,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $3,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$1,678 to rent, $435 to groceries, $292 to dining.
Can I live in Lyon on $3,000/month?
In Lyon, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,487 rent, $566 groceries, $335 dining.
Is Brussels or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Brussels worth in Lyon?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$2,202/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.