City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Davao vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Davao | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $482 | $942 | $460 |
| Groceries | $548 | $188 | +$360 |
| Dining Out | $165 | $120 | +$45 |
| Transportation | $27 | $33 | $6 |
| Utilities | $206 | $76 | +$130 |
| Other / Misc | $72 | $141 | $69 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Davao
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$8,839
per month
You'd need $8,839/mo in New York 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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Davao or New York cheaper?
Davao is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Davao 14 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Davao worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Davao equals ~$8,839/mo in New York using COL adjustment.