City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chiang Mai vs Graz — 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.
Graz
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 39.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Graz.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $680 | $123 |
| Groceries | $517 | $347 | +$170 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $169 | $36 |
| Transportation | $58 | $44 | +$14 |
| Utilities | $152 | $159 | $7 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $101 | $18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
Graz equivalent
$3,416
per month
You'd need $3,416/mo in Graz 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 Graz on $1,500/month?
In Graz, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $680 rent, $347 groceries, $169 dining.
Is Chiang Mai or Graz cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Graz 39.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Graz?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$3,416/mo in Graz using COL adjustment.