City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
London vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo barely covers basics in London.
Lyon
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,812 | $1,487 | +$325 |
| Groceries | $343 | $566 | $223 |
| Dining Out | $273 | $335 | $62 |
| Transportation | $92 | $117 | $25 |
| Utilities | $209 | $272 | $63 |
| Other / Misc | $271 | $223 | +$48 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$3,000
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,658
per month
Only $1,658/mo in Lyon matches $3,000/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $3,000/month?
Living in London on $3,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,812 to rent, $343 to groceries, $273 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 London or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in London worth in Lyon?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$1,658/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.