City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Seoul vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Seoul
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Seoul.
Lyon
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seoul | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $449 | $496 | $47 |
| Groceries | $301 | $189 | +$112 |
| Dining Out | $74 | $112 | $38 |
| Transportation | $28 | $39 | $11 |
| Utilities | $80 | $91 | $11 |
| Other / Misc | $68 | $73 | $5 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seoul
$1,000
per month
Lyon equivalent
$814
per month
Only $814/mo in Lyon matches $1,000/mo in Seoul — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Seoul on $1,000/month?
Living in Seoul on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$449 to rent, $301 to groceries, $74 to dining.
Can I live in Lyon on $1,000/month?
In Lyon, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $496 rent, $189 groceries, $112 dining.
Is Seoul or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seoul 49.5 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Seoul worth in Lyon?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Seoul equals ~$814/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.