City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chicago vs Jeddah — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Jeddah
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Jeddah.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $899 | $601 | +$298 |
| Groceries | $211 | $428 | $217 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $223 | $90 |
| Transportation | $37 | $45 | $8 |
| Utilities | $85 | $113 | $28 |
| Other / Misc | $135 | $90 | +$45 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$1,500
per month
Jeddah equivalent
$709
per month
Only $709/mo in Jeddah matches $1,500/mo in Chicago — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $1,500/month?
Living in Chicago on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$899 to rent, $211 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 Chicago or Jeddah cheaper?
Jeddah is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Jeddah 27 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chicago worth in Jeddah?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$709/mo in Jeddah using COL adjustment.