City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Bangkok — 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.
Bangkok
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 33.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bangkok.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Bangkok | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $725 | +$19 |
| Groceries | $283 | $409 | $126 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $93 | +$75 |
| Transportation | $59 | $45 | +$14 |
| Utilities | $136 | $120 | +$16 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $108 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Bangkok equivalent
$1,239
per month
Only $1,239/mo in Bangkok matches $1,500/mo in Lyon — better value.
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 Bangkok on $1,500/month?
In Bangkok, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $725 rent, $409 groceries, $93 dining.
Is Lyon or Bangkok cheaper?
Bangkok is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Bangkok 33.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Bangkok?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,239/mo in Bangkok using COL adjustment.