City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Chiang Mai — 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.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $557 | +$187 |
| Groceries | $283 | $517 | $234 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $133 | +$35 |
| Transportation | $59 | $58 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $136 | $152 | $16 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $83 | +$27 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$644
per month
Only $644/mo in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Lyon or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$644/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.