City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Cebu vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cebu | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $511 | $557 | $46 |
| Groceries | $538 | $517 | +$21 |
| Dining Out | $149 | $133 | +$16 |
| Transportation | $25 | $58 | $33 |
| Utilities | $201 | $152 | +$49 |
| Other / Misc | $76 | $83 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Cebu
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$1,674
per month
You'd need $1,674/mo in Chiang Mai to match $1,500/mo in Cebu.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Cebu on $1,500/month?
Living in Cebu on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$511 to rent, $538 to groceries, $149 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 Cebu or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Cebu is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Cebu 15.5 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Cebu worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Cebu equals ~$1,674/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.