City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Rome vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo barely covers basics in Rome.
Lyon
Moderate
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,109 | $991 | +$118 |
| Groceries | $301 | $377 | $76 |
| Dining Out | $197 | $223 | $26 |
| Transportation | $34 | $78 | $44 |
| Utilities | $193 | $181 | +$12 |
| Other / Misc | $166 | $150 | +$16 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$2,000
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,658
per month
Only $1,658/mo in Lyon matches $2,000/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $2,000/month?
Living in Rome on $2,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,109 to rent, $301 to groceries, $197 to dining.
Can I live in Lyon on $2,000/month?
In Lyon, $2,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $991 rent, $377 groceries, $223 dining.
Is Rome or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Rome worth in Lyon?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,658/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.