City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Rome — 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.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $832 | $88 |
| Groceries | $283 | $226 | +$57 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $148 | +$20 |
| Transportation | $59 | $25 | +$34 |
| Utilities | $136 | $145 | $9 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $124 | $14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$1,809
per month
You'd need $1,809/mo in Rome 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 Rome on $1,500/month?
In Rome, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $832 rent, $226 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Lyon or Rome cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,809/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.