City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Wellington — 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.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $830 | +$26 |
| Groceries | $226 | $253 | $27 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $135 | +$20 |
| Transportation | $28 | $69 | $41 |
| Utilities | $107 | $88 | +$19 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $125 | +$3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$1,796
per month
You'd need $1,796/mo in Wellington 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 Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Madrid or Wellington cheaper?
Madrid is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$1,796/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.