City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bali vs Phuket — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Bali
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 16 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bali.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bali | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $692 | $633 | +$59 |
| Groceries | $470 | $479 | $9 |
| Dining Out | $99 | $100 | $1 |
| Transportation | $28 | $52 | $24 |
| Utilities | $108 | $140 | $32 |
| Other / Misc | $103 | $96 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bali
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$2,072
per month
You'd need $2,072/mo in Phuket to match $1,500/mo in Bali.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Bali on $1,500/month?
Living in Bali on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$692 to rent, $470 to groceries, $99 to dining.
Can I live in Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Bali or Phuket cheaper?
Bali is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bali 16 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bali worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bali equals ~$2,072/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.