City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Ho Chi Minh City vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Ho Chi Minh City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Ho Chi Minh City | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $764 | $906 | $142 |
| Groceries | $406 | $171 | +$235 |
| Dining Out | $94 | $136 | $42 |
| Transportation | $14 | $46 | $32 |
| Utilities | $108 | $105 | +$3 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $136 | $22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Ho Chi Minh City
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$4,926
per month
You'd need $4,926/mo in London to match $1,500/mo in Ho Chi Minh City.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/month?
Living in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$764 to rent, $406 to groceries, $94 to dining.
Can I live in London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or London cheaper?
Ho Chi Minh City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Ho Chi Minh City 22.2 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Ho Chi Minh City worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Ho Chi Minh City equals ~$4,926/mo in London using COL adjustment.