City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lyon vs Wellington — 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.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lyon | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $744 | $830 | $86 |
| Groceries | $283 | $253 | +$30 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $135 | +$33 |
| Transportation | $59 | $69 | $10 |
| Utilities | $136 | $88 | +$48 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $125 | $15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lyon
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$1,895
per month
You'd need $1,895/mo in Wellington 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 Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Lyon or Wellington cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lyon 40.3 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lyon worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lyon equals ~$1,895/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.