City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bangkok vs Mexico City — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Bangkok
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 33.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bangkok.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bangkok | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $841 | $116 |
| Groceries | $409 | $279 | +$130 |
| Dining Out | $93 | $159 | $66 |
| Transportation | $45 | $29 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $120 | $65 | +$55 |
| Other / Misc | $108 | $127 | $19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bangkok
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$1,568
per month
You'd need $1,568/mo in Mexico City to match $1,500/mo in Bangkok.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Bangkok on $1,500/month?
Living in Bangkok on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $409 to groceries, $93 to dining.
Can I live in Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Bangkok or Mexico City cheaper?
Bangkok is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bangkok 33.3 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bangkok worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bangkok equals ~$1,568/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.