City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Mexico City — 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.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $841 | $97 |
| Groceries | $283 | $279 | +$4 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $159 | +$9 |
| Transportation | $59 | $29 | +$30 |
| Utilities | $136 | $65 | +$71 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $127 | $17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$1,295
per month
Only $1,295/mo in Mexico City 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 Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Lyon or Mexico City cheaper?
Mexico City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,295/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.