City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Sydney — 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.
Sydney
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 69.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Sydney.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Sydney | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $909 | $165 |
| Groceries | $283 | $206 | +$77 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $128 | +$40 |
| Transportation | $59 | $49 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $136 | $73 | +$63 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $135 | $25 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Sydney equivalent
$2,594
per month
You'd need $2,594/mo in Sydney 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 Sydney on $1,500/month?
In Sydney, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $909 rent, $206 groceries, $128 dining.
Is Lyon or Sydney cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Sydney 69.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Sydney?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$2,594/mo in Sydney using COL adjustment.