City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chiang Mai vs Jeddah — 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.
Jeddah
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Jeddah.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $601 | $44 |
| Groceries | $517 | $428 | +$89 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $223 | $90 |
| Transportation | $58 | $45 | +$13 |
| Utilities | $152 | $113 | +$39 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $90 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
Jeddah equivalent
$2,341
per month
You'd need $2,341/mo in Jeddah 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 Jeddah on $1,500/month?
In Jeddah, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $601 rent, $428 groceries, $223 dining.
Is Chiang Mai or Jeddah cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Jeddah 27 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Jeddah?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$2,341/mo in Jeddah using COL adjustment.