City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs San Francisco — 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.
San Francisco
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 75.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in San Francisco.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | San Francisco | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $934 | $190 |
| Groceries | $283 | $192 | +$91 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $123 | +$45 |
| Transportation | $59 | $34 | +$25 |
| Utilities | $136 | $77 | +$59 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $140 | $30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
San Francisco equivalent
$2,814
per month
You'd need $2,814/mo in San Francisco 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 San Francisco on $1,500/month?
In San Francisco, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $934 rent, $192 groceries, $123 dining.
Is Lyon or San Francisco cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs San Francisco 75.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in San Francisco?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$2,814/mo in San Francisco using COL adjustment.