City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Davao vs Mexico City — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Davao
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 14 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Davao.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Davao | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $482 | $841 | $359 |
| Groceries | $548 | $279 | +$269 |
| Dining Out | $165 | $159 | +$6 |
| Transportation | $27 | $29 | $2 |
| Utilities | $206 | $65 | +$141 |
| Other / Misc | $72 | $127 | $55 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Davao
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$3,729
per month
You'd need $3,729/mo in Mexico City to match $1,500/mo in Davao.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Davao on $1,500/month?
Living in Davao on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$482 to rent, $548 to groceries, $165 to dining.
Can I live in Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Davao or Mexico City cheaper?
Davao is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Davao 14 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Davao worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Davao equals ~$3,729/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.