City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Paris vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Paris
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 69.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Paris.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Paris | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $894 | $744 | +$150 |
| Groceries | $207 | $283 | $76 |
| Dining Out | $122 | $168 | $46 |
| Transportation | $43 | $59 | $16 |
| Utilities | $99 | $136 | $37 |
| Other / Misc | $135 | $110 | +$25 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Paris
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$870
per month
Only $870/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in Paris — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Paris on $1,500/month?
Living in Paris on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$894 to rent, $207 to groceries, $122 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 Paris or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Paris 69.5 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Paris worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Paris equals ~$870/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.