City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs Wellington — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $830 | +$100 |
| Groceries | $168 | $253 | $85 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $135 | $16 |
| Transportation | $49 | $69 | $20 |
| Utilities | $94 | $88 | +$6 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $125 | +$15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$1,166
per month
Only $1,166/mo in Wellington matches $1,500/mo in Amsterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$930 to rent, $168 to groceries, $119 to dining.
Can I live in Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Amsterdam or Wellington cheaper?
Wellington is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$1,166/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.