City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Milan vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Milan | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $861 | $725 | +$136 |
| Groceries | $209 | $316 | $107 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $107 | +$35 |
| Transportation | $24 | $63 | $39 |
| Utilities | $135 | $180 | $45 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $109 | +$20 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Milan
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,092
per month
Only $1,092/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Milan or Tokyo cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Milan 57 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Milan worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Milan equals ~$1,092/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.