City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Amsterdam — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Amsterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $930 | $186 |
| Groceries | $283 | $168 | +$115 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $119 | +$49 |
| Transportation | $59 | $49 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $136 | $94 | +$42 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $140 | $30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Amsterdam equivalent
$2,438
per month
You'd need $2,438/mo in Amsterdam to match $1,500/mo in Lyon.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Lyon on $1,500/month?
Living in Lyon on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$744 to rent, $283 to groceries, $168 to dining.
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
In Amsterdam, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $930 rent, $168 groceries, $119 dining.
Is Lyon or Amsterdam cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Amsterdam 65.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Amsterdam?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$2,438/mo in Amsterdam using COL adjustment.