City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
London vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $906 | $744 | +$162 |
| Groceries | $171 | $283 | $112 |
| Dining Out | $136 | $168 | $32 |
| Transportation | $46 | $59 | $13 |
| Utilities | $105 | $136 | $31 |
| Other / Misc | $136 | $110 | +$26 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$829
per month
Only $829/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $1,500/month?
Living in London on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$906 to rent, $171 to groceries, $136 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 London or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in London worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$829/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.