City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Heraklion — 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.
Heraklion
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 26.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Heraklion.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Heraklion | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $461 | +$283 |
| Groceries | $283 | $412 | $129 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $307 | $139 |
| Transportation | $59 | $40 | +$19 |
| Utilities | $136 | $211 | $75 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $69 | +$41 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Heraklion equivalent
$983
per month
Only $983/mo in Heraklion 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 Heraklion on $1,500/month?
In Heraklion, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $461 rent, $412 groceries, $307 dining.
Is Lyon or Heraklion cheaper?
Heraklion is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Heraklion 26.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Heraklion?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$983/mo in Heraklion using COL adjustment.