City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Rotterdam — 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.
Rotterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 47 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rotterdam.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Rotterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $849 | $105 |
| Groceries | $283 | $206 | +$77 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $141 | +$27 |
| Transportation | $59 | $60 | $1 |
| Utilities | $136 | $116 | +$20 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $128 | $18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Rotterdam equivalent
$1,749
per month
You'd need $1,749/mo in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam on $1,500/month?
In Rotterdam, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $849 rent, $206 groceries, $141 dining.
Is Lyon or Rotterdam cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Rotterdam 47 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Rotterdam?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,749/mo in Rotterdam using COL adjustment.