City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $744 | $127 |
| Groceries | $445 | $283 | +$162 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $168 | +$21 |
| Transportation | $61 | $59 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $97 | $136 | $39 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $110 | $19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$3,165
per month
You'd need $3,165/mo in Lyon to match $1,500/mo in Medellín.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $1,500/month?
Living in Medellín on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$617 to rent, $445 to groceries, $189 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 Medellín or Lyon cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$3,165/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.