City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Graz vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Graz
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 39.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Graz.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Graz | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $680 | $557 | +$123 |
| Groceries | $347 | $517 | $170 |
| Dining Out | $169 | $133 | +$36 |
| Transportation | $44 | $58 | $14 |
| Utilities | $159 | $152 | +$7 |
| Other / Misc | $101 | $83 | +$18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Graz
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$659
per month
Only $659/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,500/mo in Graz — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Graz on $1,500/month?
Living in Graz on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$680 to rent, $347 to groceries, $169 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Graz or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Graz 39.4 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Graz worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Graz equals ~$659/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.