City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Mexico City vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mexico City | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $841 | $633 | +$208 |
| Groceries | $279 | $479 | $200 |
| Dining Out | $159 | $100 | +$59 |
| Transportation | $29 | $52 | $23 |
| Utilities | $65 | $140 | $75 |
| Other / Misc | $127 | $96 | +$31 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mexico City
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$953
per month
Only $953/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Mexico City or Phuket cheaper?
Phuket is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mexico City 34.8 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Mexico City worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Mexico City equals ~$953/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.