City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Milan vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Milan | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $861 | $744 | +$117 |
| Groceries | $209 | $283 | $74 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $168 | $26 |
| Transportation | $24 | $59 | $35 |
| Utilities | $135 | $136 | $1 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $110 | +$19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Milan
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,061
per month
Only $1,061/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in Milan — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Milan on $1,500/month?
Living in Milan on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$861 to rent, $209 to groceries, $142 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 Milan or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Milan 57 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Milan worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Milan equals ~$1,061/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.