City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Graz — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Graz
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 39.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Graz.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $680 | +$176 |
| Groceries | $226 | $347 | $121 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $169 | $14 |
| Transportation | $28 | $44 | $16 |
| Utilities | $107 | $159 | $52 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $101 | +$27 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Graz equivalent
$1,391
per month
Only $1,391/mo in Graz matches $1,500/mo in Madrid — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Madrid on $1,500/month?
Living in Madrid on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $226 to groceries, $155 to dining.
Can I live in Graz on $1,500/month?
In Graz, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $680 rent, $347 groceries, $169 dining.
Is Madrid or Graz cheaper?
Graz is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Graz 39.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Graz?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$1,391/mo in Graz using COL adjustment.