City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $754 | $10 |
| Groceries | $283 | $291 | $8 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $174 | $6 |
| Transportation | $59 | $79 | $20 |
| Utilities | $136 | $88 | +$48 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $114 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$1,306
per month
Only $1,306/mo in Malmö 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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Lyon or Malmö cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,306/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.