City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Antwerp vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Antwerp | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $767 | $557 | +$210 |
| Groceries | $249 | $517 | $268 |
| Dining Out | $173 | $133 | +$40 |
| Transportation | $35 | $58 | $23 |
| Utilities | $162 | $152 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $83 | +$31 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Antwerp
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$615
per month
Only $615/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,500/mo in Antwerp — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Antwerp on $1,500/month?
Living in Antwerp on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$767 to rent, $249 to groceries, $173 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Antwerp or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Antwerp 42.2 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Antwerp worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Antwerp equals ~$615/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.