City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Berlin — 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.
Berlin
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Berlin.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Berlin | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $729 | +$15 |
| Groceries | $283 | $250 | +$33 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $164 | +$4 |
| Transportation | $59 | $48 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $136 | $199 | $63 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $110 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Berlin equivalent
$1,630
per month
You'd need $1,630/mo in Berlin 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 Berlin on $1,500/month?
In Berlin, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $729 rent, $250 groceries, $164 dining.
Is Lyon or Berlin cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Berlin 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Berlin?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,630/mo in Berlin using COL adjustment.