City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Medellín — 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.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $617 | +$127 |
| Groceries | $283 | $445 | $162 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $189 | $21 |
| Transportation | $59 | $61 | $2 |
| Utilities | $136 | $97 | +$39 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $91 | +$19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$711
per month
Only $711/mo in Medellín 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 Medellín on $1,500/month?
In Medellín, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $617 rent, $445 groceries, $189 dining.
Is Lyon or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$711/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.