City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brasília vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brasília | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $568 | $557 | +$11 |
| Groceries | $427 | $517 | $90 |
| Dining Out | $221 | $133 | +$88 |
| Transportation | $88 | $58 | +$30 |
| Utilities | $111 | $152 | $41 |
| Other / Misc | $85 | $83 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brasília
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$1,450
per month
Only $1,450/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,500/mo in Brasília — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brasília on $1,500/month?
Living in Brasília on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$568 to rent, $427 to groceries, $221 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Brasília or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brasília 17.9 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brasília worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brasília equals ~$1,450/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.