City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Jeddah — 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.
Jeddah
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Jeddah.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $601 | +$255 |
| Groceries | $226 | $428 | $202 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $223 | $68 |
| Transportation | $28 | $45 | $17 |
| Utilities | $107 | $113 | $6 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $90 | +$38 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Jeddah equivalent
$953
per month
Only $953/mo in Jeddah 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 Jeddah on $1,500/month?
In Jeddah, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $601 rent, $428 groceries, $223 dining.
Is Madrid or Jeddah cheaper?
Jeddah is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Jeddah 27 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Jeddah?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$953/mo in Jeddah using COL adjustment.