City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Johannesburg — 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.
Johannesburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 26.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Johannesburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Johannesburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $699 | +$45 |
| Groceries | $283 | $278 | +$5 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $244 | $76 |
| Transportation | $59 | $46 | +$13 |
| Utilities | $136 | $128 | +$8 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $105 | +$5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Johannesburg equivalent
$986
per month
Only $986/mo in Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg on $1,500/month?
In Johannesburg, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $699 rent, $278 groceries, $244 dining.
Is Lyon or Johannesburg cheaper?
Johannesburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Johannesburg 26.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Johannesburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$986/mo in Johannesburg using COL adjustment.