City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
San Francisco vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
San Francisco
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 75.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in San Francisco.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | San Francisco | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $934 | $744 | +$190 |
| Groceries | $192 | $283 | $91 |
| Dining Out | $123 | $168 | $45 |
| Transportation | $34 | $59 | $25 |
| Utilities | $77 | $136 | $59 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $110 | +$30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
San Francisco
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$800
per month
Only $800/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in San Francisco — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in San Francisco on $1,500/month?
Living in San Francisco on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$934 to rent, $192 to groceries, $123 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 San Francisco or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: San Francisco 75.6 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in San Francisco worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in San Francisco equals ~$800/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.