City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Lyon vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Lyon
Moderate
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Lyon.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $991 | $743 | +$248 |
| Groceries | $377 | $689 | $312 |
| Dining Out | $223 | $177 | +$46 |
| Transportation | $78 | $77 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $181 | $203 | $22 |
| Other / Misc | $150 | $111 | +$39 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$2,000
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$859
per month
Only $859/mo in Chiang Mai matches $2,000/mo in Lyon — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Lyon on $2,000/month?
Living in Lyon on $2,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$991 to rent, $377 to groceries, $223 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $2,000/month?
In Chiang Mai, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $743 rent, $689 groceries, $177 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 $2,000/mo in Lyon worth in Chiang Mai?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$859/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.