City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Malmö vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Malmö | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $754 | $744 | +$10 |
| Groceries | $291 | $283 | +$8 |
| Dining Out | $174 | $168 | +$6 |
| Transportation | $79 | $59 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $88 | $136 | $48 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $110 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Malmö
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,722
per month
You'd need $1,722/mo in Lyon to match $1,500/mo in Malmö.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Malmö on $1,500/month?
Living in Malmö on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$754 to rent, $291 to groceries, $174 to dining.
Can I live in Lyon on $1,500/month?
In Lyon, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $744 rent, $283 groceries, $168 dining.
Is Malmö or Lyon cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Malmö 35.1 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Malmö worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Malmö equals ~$1,722/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.