City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Krakow — 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.
Krakow
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Krakow.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Krakow | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $682 | +$62 |
| Groceries | $283 | $283 | $0 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $193 | $25 |
| Transportation | $59 | $38 | +$21 |
| Utilities | $136 | $202 | $66 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $102 | +$8 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Krakow equivalent
$1,020
per month
Only $1,020/mo in Krakow 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 Krakow on $1,500/month?
In Krakow, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $682 rent, $283 groceries, $193 dining.
Is Lyon or Krakow cheaper?
Krakow is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Krakow 27.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Krakow?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,020/mo in Krakow using COL adjustment.