City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chiang Mai vs London — 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.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $906 | $349 |
| Groceries | $517 | $171 | +$346 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $136 | $3 |
| Transportation | $58 | $46 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $152 | $105 | +$47 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $136 | $53 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$6,321
per month
You'd need $6,321/mo in London 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 London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Chiang Mai or London cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$6,321/mo in London using COL adjustment.