City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chiang Mai vs Riyadh — 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.
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Riyadh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $628 | $71 |
| Groceries | $517 | $408 | +$109 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $219 | $86 |
| Transportation | $58 | $43 | +$15 |
| Utilities | $152 | $108 | +$44 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $94 | $11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
Riyadh equivalent
$2,714
per month
You'd need $2,714/mo in Riyadh 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 Riyadh on $1,500/month?
In Riyadh, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $628 rent, $408 groceries, $219 dining.
Is Chiang Mai or Riyadh cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Riyadh 31.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Riyadh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$2,714/mo in Riyadh using COL adjustment.