City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Brussels — 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.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $839 | $95 |
| Groceries | $283 | $217 | +$66 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $146 | +$22 |
| Transportation | $59 | $30 | +$29 |
| Utilities | $136 | $142 | $6 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $126 | $16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$2,043
per month
You'd need $2,043/mo in Brussels 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 Brussels on $1,500/month?
In Brussels, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $839 rent, $217 groceries, $146 dining.
Is Lyon or Brussels cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$2,043/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.