City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chennai vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chennai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chennai.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chennai | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $742 | $906 | $164 |
| Groceries | $317 | $171 | +$146 |
| Dining Out | $196 | $136 | +$60 |
| Transportation | $36 | $46 | $10 |
| Utilities | $98 | $105 | $7 |
| Other / Misc | $111 | $136 | $25 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chennai
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$6,041
per month
You'd need $6,041/mo in London to match $1,500/mo in Chennai.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chennai on $1,500/month?
Living in Chennai on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$742 to rent, $317 to groceries, $196 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 Chennai or London cheaper?
Chennai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chennai 18.1 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chennai worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chennai equals ~$6,041/mo in London using COL adjustment.