City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Jeddah vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Jeddah
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Jeddah.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Jeddah | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $601 | $557 | +$44 |
| Groceries | $428 | $517 | $89 |
| Dining Out | $223 | $133 | +$90 |
| Transportation | $45 | $58 | $13 |
| Utilities | $113 | $152 | $39 |
| Other / Misc | $90 | $83 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Jeddah
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$961
per month
Only $961/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,500/mo in Jeddah — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Jeddah on $1,500/month?
Living in Jeddah on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$601 to rent, $428 to groceries, $223 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 Jeddah or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Jeddah 27 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Jeddah worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Jeddah equals ~$961/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.