City Budget Comparison

Can You Live on $1,500/month?

London vs San Francisco — Budget Breakdown

Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026

Feasibility

Likely Insufficient

COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)

$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.

Likely Insufficient

COL+Rent: 75.6 (NYC=100)

$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in San Francisco.

Category	London	San Francisco	Diff
Rent (avg 1BR)	$906	$934	$28
Groceries	$171	$192	$21
Dining Out	$136	$123	+$13
Transportation	$46	$34	+$12
Utilities	$105	$77	+$28
Other / Misc	$136	$140	$4
Total	$1,500	$1,500	—

London

$1,500

per month

San Francisco equivalent

$1,556

per month

You'd need $1,556/mo in San Francisco to match $1,500/mo in London.

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 San Francisco on $1,500/month?

In San Francisco, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $934 rent, $192 groceries, $123 dining.

Is London or San Francisco cheaper?

London is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs San Francisco 75.6 (NYC=100).

What is $1,500/mo in London worth in San Francisco?

$1,500/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$1,556/mo in San Francisco using COL adjustment.