City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Thessaloniki — 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.
Thessaloniki
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Thessaloniki.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Thessaloniki | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $475 | +$269 |
| Groceries | $283 | $403 | $120 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $306 | $138 |
| Transportation | $59 | $39 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $136 | $206 | $70 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $71 | +$39 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Thessaloniki equivalent
$1,027
per month
Only $1,027/mo in Thessaloniki matches $1,500/mo in Lyon — better value.
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 Thessaloniki on $1,500/month?
In Thessaloniki, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $475 rent, $403 groceries, $306 dining.
Is Lyon or Thessaloniki cheaper?
Thessaloniki is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Thessaloniki 27.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Thessaloniki?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,027/mo in Thessaloniki using COL adjustment.