City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chiang Mai vs Antwerp — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $767 | $210 |
| Groceries | $517 | $249 | +$268 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $173 | $40 |
| Transportation | $58 | $35 | +$23 |
| Utilities | $152 | $162 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $114 | $31 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
Antwerp equivalent
$3,659
per month
You'd need $3,659/mo in Antwerp to match $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
Living in Chiang Mai on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$557 to rent, $517 to groceries, $133 to dining.
Can I live in Antwerp on $1,500/month?
In Antwerp, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $767 rent, $249 groceries, $173 dining.
Is Chiang Mai or Antwerp cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Antwerp 42.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Antwerp?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$3,659/mo in Antwerp using COL adjustment.