City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $942 | $198 |
| Groceries | $283 | $188 | +$95 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $120 | +$48 |
| Transportation | $59 | $33 | +$26 |
| Utilities | $136 | $76 | +$60 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $141 | $31 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$3,071
per month
You'd need $3,071/mo in New York 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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Lyon or New York cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$3,071/mo in New York using COL adjustment.