City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Seoul vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Seoul
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Seoul.
Lyon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seoul | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $673 | $744 | $71 |
| Groceries | $452 | $283 | +$169 |
| Dining Out | $111 | $168 | $57 |
| Transportation | $42 | $59 | $17 |
| Utilities | $120 | $136 | $16 |
| Other / Misc | $102 | $110 | $8 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seoul
$1,500
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,221
per month
Only $1,221/mo in Lyon matches $1,500/mo in Seoul — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Seoul on $1,500/month?
Living in Seoul on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$673 to rent, $452 to groceries, $111 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 Seoul or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seoul 49.5 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Seoul worth in Lyon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Seoul equals ~$1,221/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.