City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bangkok vs Riyadh — 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.
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bangkok | Riyadh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $628 | +$97 |
| Groceries | $409 | $408 | +$1 |
| Dining Out | $93 | $219 | $126 |
| Transportation | $45 | $43 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $120 | $108 | +$12 |
| Other / Misc | $108 | $94 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bangkok
$1,500
per month
Riyadh equivalent
$1,410
per month
Only $1,410/mo in Riyadh matches $1,500/mo in Bangkok — better value.
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 Riyadh on $1,500/month?
In Riyadh, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $628 rent, $408 groceries, $219 dining.
Is Bangkok or Riyadh cheaper?
Riyadh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bangkok 33.3 vs Riyadh 31.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bangkok worth in Riyadh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bangkok equals ~$1,410/mo in Riyadh using COL adjustment.