City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bangkok vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bangkok | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $725 | $0 |
| Groceries | $409 | $316 | +$93 |
| Dining Out | $93 | $107 | $14 |
| Transportation | $45 | $63 | $18 |
| Utilities | $120 | $180 | $60 |
| Other / Misc | $108 | $109 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bangkok
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,869
per month
You'd need $1,869/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Bangkok or Tokyo cheaper?
Bangkok is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bangkok 33.3 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bangkok worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bangkok equals ~$1,869/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.