City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Mexico City vs Ho Chi Minh City — 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.
Ho Chi Minh City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mexico City | Ho Chi Minh City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $841 | $764 | +$77 |
| Groceries | $279 | $406 | $127 |
| Dining Out | $159 | $94 | +$65 |
| Transportation | $29 | $14 | +$15 |
| Utilities | $65 | $108 | $43 |
| Other / Misc | $127 | $114 | +$13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mexico City
$1,500
per month
Ho Chi Minh City equivalent
$957
per month
Only $957/mo in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/month?
In Ho Chi Minh City, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $764 rent, $406 groceries, $94 dining.
Is Mexico City or Ho Chi Minh City cheaper?
Ho Chi Minh City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mexico City 34.8 vs Ho Chi Minh City 22.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Mexico City worth in Ho Chi Minh City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Mexico City equals ~$957/mo in Ho Chi Minh City using COL adjustment.