City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rotterdam vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rotterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 47 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rotterdam.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rotterdam | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $849 | $744 | +$105 |
| Groceries | $206 | $283 | $77 |
| Dining Out | $141 | $168 | $27 |
| Transportation | $60 | $59 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $116 | $136 | $20 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $110 | +$18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rotterdam
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,286
per month
Only $1,286/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in Rotterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rotterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Rotterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$849 to rent, $206 to groceries, $141 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 Rotterdam or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rotterdam 47 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rotterdam worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rotterdam equals ~$1,286/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.