City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Hyderabad vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Hyderabad
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Hyderabad.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Hyderabad | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $753 | $557 | +$196 |
| Groceries | $314 | $517 | $203 |
| Dining Out | $188 | $133 | +$55 |
| Transportation | $35 | $58 | $23 |
| Utilities | $97 | $152 | $55 |
| Other / Misc | $113 | $83 | +$30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Hyderabad
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$1,380
per month
Only $1,380/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,500/mo in Hyderabad — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Hyderabad on $1,500/month?
Living in Hyderabad on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$753 to rent, $314 to groceries, $188 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 Hyderabad or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Hyderabad 18.8 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Hyderabad worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Hyderabad equals ~$1,380/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.