City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Milan vs Rome — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Milan | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $861 | $832 | +$29 |
| Groceries | $209 | $226 | $17 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $148 | $6 |
| Transportation | $24 | $25 | $1 |
| Utilities | $135 | $145 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $124 | +$5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Milan
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$1,279
per month
Only $1,279/mo in Rome matches $1,500/mo in Milan — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Milan on $1,500/month?
Living in Milan on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$861 to rent, $209 to groceries, $142 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 Milan or Rome cheaper?
Rome is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Milan 57 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Milan worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Milan equals ~$1,279/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.