City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Cape Town — 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.
Cape Town
Moderate
COL+Rent: 28.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Cape Town.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Cape Town | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $708 | +$36 |
| Groceries | $283 | $274 | +$9 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $241 | $73 |
| Transportation | $59 | $45 | +$14 |
| Utilities | $136 | $126 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $106 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Cape Town equivalent
$1,061
per month
Only $1,061/mo in Cape Town 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 Cape Town on $1,500/month?
In Cape Town, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $708 rent, $274 groceries, $241 dining.
Is Lyon or Cape Town cheaper?
Cape Town is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Cape Town 28.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Cape Town?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,061/mo in Cape Town using COL adjustment.