City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chiang Mai vs Wellington — 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.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $830 | $273 |
| Groceries | $517 | $253 | +$264 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $135 | $2 |
| Transportation | $58 | $69 | $11 |
| Utilities | $152 | $88 | +$64 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $125 | $42 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$4,413
per month
You'd need $4,413/mo in Wellington 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 Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Chiang Mai or Wellington cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$4,413/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.