City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
London vs Los Angeles — 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.
Los Angeles
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 69.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Los Angeles.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $906 | $932 | $26 |
| Groceries | $171 | $192 | $21 |
| Dining Out | $136 | $124 | +$12 |
| Transportation | $46 | $34 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $105 | $78 | +$27 |
| Other / Misc | $136 | $140 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$1,500
per month
Los Angeles equivalent
$1,430
per month
Only $1,430/mo in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles on $1,500/month?
In Los Angeles, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $932 rent, $192 groceries, $124 dining.
Is London or Los Angeles cheaper?
Los Angeles is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Los Angeles 69.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in London worth in Los Angeles?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$1,430/mo in Los Angeles using COL adjustment.