City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Geneva — 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.
Geneva
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 89.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Geneva.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Geneva | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $841 | $97 |
| Groceries | $283 | $262 | +$21 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $154 | +$14 |
| Transportation | $59 | $33 | +$26 |
| Utilities | $136 | $84 | +$52 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $126 | $16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Geneva equivalent
$3,328
per month
You'd need $3,328/mo in Geneva 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 Geneva on $1,500/month?
In Geneva, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $841 rent, $262 groceries, $154 dining.
Is Lyon or Geneva cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Geneva 89.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Geneva?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$3,328/mo in Geneva using COL adjustment.