City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Paris — 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.
Paris
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 69.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Paris.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Paris | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $894 | $150 |
| Groceries | $283 | $207 | +$76 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $122 | +$46 |
| Transportation | $59 | $43 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $136 | $99 | +$37 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $135 | $25 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Paris equivalent
$2,587
per month
You'd need $2,587/mo in Paris 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 Paris on $1,500/month?
In Paris, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $894 rent, $207 groceries, $122 dining.
Is Lyon or Paris cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Paris 69.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Paris?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$2,587/mo in Paris using COL adjustment.