City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Seoul — 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.
Seoul
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Seoul.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Seoul | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $673 | +$71 |
| Groceries | $283 | $452 | $169 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $111 | +$57 |
| Transportation | $59 | $42 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $136 | $120 | +$16 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $102 | +$8 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Seoul equivalent
$1,842
per month
You'd need $1,842/mo in Seoul 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 Seoul on $1,500/month?
In Seoul, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $673 rent, $452 groceries, $111 dining.
Is Lyon or Seoul cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Seoul 49.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Seoul?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,842/mo in Seoul using COL adjustment.