City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Rome — 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.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $832 | +$24 |
| Groceries | $226 | $226 | $0 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $148 | +$7 |
| Transportation | $28 | $25 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $107 | $145 | $38 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $124 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$1,715
per month
You'd need $1,715/mo in Rome 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 Rome on $1,500/month?
In Rome, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $832 rent, $226 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Madrid or Rome cheaper?
Madrid is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$1,715/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.