City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
London vs Chiang Mai — 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.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $906 | $557 | +$349 |
| Groceries | $171 | $517 | $346 |
| Dining Out | $136 | $133 | +$3 |
| Transportation | $46 | $58 | $12 |
| Utilities | $105 | $152 | $47 |
| Other / Misc | $136 | $83 | +$53 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$356
per month
Only $356/mo in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is London or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in London worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$356/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.