City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $744 | +$88 |
| Groceries | $226 | $283 | $57 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $168 | $20 |
| Transportation | $25 | $59 | $34 |
| Utilities | $145 | $136 | +$9 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $110 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,244
per month
Only $1,244/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 to groceries, $148 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 Rome or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,244/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.