City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Basel — 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.
Basel
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 85.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Basel.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Basel | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $830 | $86 |
| Groceries | $283 | $268 | +$15 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $158 | +$10 |
| Transportation | $59 | $34 | +$25 |
| Utilities | $136 | $86 | +$50 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $124 | $14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Basel equivalent
$3,197
per month
You'd need $3,197/mo in Basel 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 Basel on $1,500/month?
In Basel, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $268 groceries, $158 dining.
Is Lyon or Basel cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Basel 85.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Basel?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$3,197/mo in Basel using COL adjustment.