City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Montreal — 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.
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $856 | $112 |
| Groceries | $283 | $231 | +$52 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $142 | +$26 |
| Transportation | $59 | $52 | +$7 |
| Utilities | $136 | $90 | +$46 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $129 | $19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Montreal equivalent
$1,656
per month
You'd need $1,656/mo in Montreal 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 Montreal on $1,500/month?
In Montreal, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $856 rent, $231 groceries, $142 dining.
Is Lyon or Montreal cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Montreal 44.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Montreal?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,656/mo in Montreal using COL adjustment.