City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Mexico City vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mexico City | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $841 | $557 | +$284 |
| Groceries | $279 | $517 | $238 |
| Dining Out | $159 | $133 | +$26 |
| Transportation | $29 | $58 | $29 |
| Utilities | $65 | $152 | $87 |
| Other / Misc | $127 | $83 | +$44 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mexico City
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$746
per month
Only $746/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,500/mo in Mexico City — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Mexico City on $1,500/month?
Living in Mexico City on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$841 to rent, $279 to groceries, $159 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Mexico City or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mexico City 34.8 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Mexico City worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Mexico City equals ~$746/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.