City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brasília vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brasília | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $568 | $725 | $157 |
| Groceries | $427 | $316 | +$111 |
| Dining Out | $221 | $107 | +$114 |
| Transportation | $88 | $63 | +$25 |
| Utilities | $111 | $180 | $69 |
| Other / Misc | $85 | $109 | $24 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brasília
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$3,478
per month
You'd need $3,478/mo in Tokyo to match $1,500/mo in Brasília.
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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Brasília or Tokyo cheaper?
Brasília is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brasília 17.9 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brasília worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brasília equals ~$3,478/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.