City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Melbourne — 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.
Melbourne
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 61.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Melbourne.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Melbourne | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $888 | $144 |
| Groceries | $283 | $216 | +$67 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $135 | +$33 |
| Transportation | $59 | $51 | +$8 |
| Utilities | $136 | $77 | +$59 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $133 | $23 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Melbourne equivalent
$2,304
per month
You'd need $2,304/mo in Melbourne to match $1,500/mo in Lyon.
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 Melbourne on $1,500/month?
In Melbourne, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $888 rent, $216 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Lyon or Melbourne cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Melbourne 61.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Melbourne?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$2,304/mo in Melbourne using COL adjustment.