City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Chicago — 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.
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $899 | $155 |
| Groceries | $283 | $211 | +$72 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $133 | +$35 |
| Transportation | $59 | $37 | +$22 |
| Utilities | $136 | $85 | +$51 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $135 | $25 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Chicago equivalent
$2,125
per month
You'd need $2,125/mo in Chicago 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 Chicago on $1,500/month?
In Chicago, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $899 rent, $211 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Lyon or Chicago cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Chicago?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$2,125/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.