City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Cape Town vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Cape Town
Moderate
COL+Rent: 28.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Cape Town.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cape Town | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $708 | $744 | $36 |
| Groceries | $274 | $283 | $9 |
| Dining Out | $241 | $168 | +$73 |
| Transportation | $45 | $59 | $14 |
| Utilities | $126 | $136 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $106 | $110 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Cape Town
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$2,121
per month
You'd need $2,121/mo in Lyon to match $1,500/mo in Cape Town.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Cape Town on $1,500/month?
Living in Cape Town on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$708 to rent, $274 to groceries, $241 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 Cape Town or Lyon cheaper?
Cape Town is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Cape Town 28.5 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Cape Town worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Cape Town equals ~$2,121/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.