City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chiang Mai vs Davao — 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.
Davao
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 14 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Davao.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $482 | +$75 |
| Groceries | $517 | $548 | $31 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $165 | $32 |
| Transportation | $58 | $27 | +$31 |
| Utilities | $152 | $206 | $54 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $72 | +$11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
Davao equivalent
$1,214
per month
Only $1,214/mo in Davao matches $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai — better value.
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 Davao on $1,500/month?
In Davao, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $482 rent, $548 groceries, $165 dining.
Is Chiang Mai or Davao cheaper?
Davao is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Davao 14 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Davao?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$1,214/mo in Davao using COL adjustment.