City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Seoul vs Lyon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Seoul
Moderate
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Seoul.
Lyon
Moderate
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seoul | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $898 | $991 | $93 |
| Groceries | $602 | $377 | +$225 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $223 | $75 |
| Transportation | $57 | $78 | $21 |
| Utilities | $160 | $181 | $21 |
| Other / Misc | $135 | $150 | $15 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seoul
$2,000
per month
Lyon equivalent
$1,628
per month
Only $1,628/mo in Lyon matches $2,000/mo in Seoul — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Seoul on $2,000/month?
Living in Seoul on $2,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$898 to rent, $602 to groceries, $148 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 Seoul or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seoul 49.5 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Seoul worth in Lyon?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Seoul equals ~$1,628/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.