City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Milan — 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.
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Milan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $861 | $5 |
| Groceries | $226 | $209 | +$17 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $142 | +$13 |
| Transportation | $28 | $24 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $107 | $135 | $28 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $129 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Milan equivalent
$2,012
per month
You'd need $2,012/mo in Milan to match $1,500/mo in Madrid.
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 Milan on $1,500/month?
In Milan, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $861 rent, $209 groceries, $142 dining.
Is Madrid or Milan cheaper?
Madrid is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Milan 57 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Milan?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$2,012/mo in Milan using COL adjustment.