City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $633 | +$111 |
| Groceries | $283 | $479 | $196 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $100 | +$68 |
| Transportation | $59 | $52 | +$7 |
| Utilities | $136 | $140 | $4 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $96 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$823
per month
Only $823/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Lyon or Phuket cheaper?
Phuket is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$823/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.