City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Berlin vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Berlin
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Berlin.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Berlin | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $729 | $906 | $177 |
| Groceries | $250 | $171 | +$79 |
| Dining Out | $164 | $136 | +$28 |
| Transportation | $48 | $46 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $199 | $105 | +$94 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $136 | $26 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Berlin
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$2,497
per month
You'd need $2,497/mo in London to match $1,500/mo in Berlin.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Berlin on $1,500/month?
Living in Berlin on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$729 to rent, $250 to groceries, $164 to dining.
Can I live in London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Berlin or London cheaper?
Berlin is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Berlin 43.8 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Berlin worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Berlin equals ~$2,497/mo in London using COL adjustment.