City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
London vs Amsterdam — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Amsterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $906 | $930 | $24 |
| Groceries | $171 | $168 | +$3 |
| Dining Out | $136 | $119 | +$17 |
| Transportation | $46 | $49 | $3 |
| Utilities | $105 | $94 | +$11 |
| Other / Misc | $136 | $140 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$1,500
per month
Amsterdam equivalent
$1,348
per month
Only $1,348/mo in Amsterdam matches $1,500/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $1,500/month?
Living in London on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$906 to rent, $171 to groceries, $136 to dining.
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
In Amsterdam, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $930 rent, $168 groceries, $119 dining.
Is London or Amsterdam cheaper?
Amsterdam is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Amsterdam 65.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in London worth in Amsterdam?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$1,348/mo in Amsterdam using COL adjustment.