City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
New York vs Amsterdam — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Amsterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $942 | $930 | +$12 |
| Groceries | $188 | $168 | +$20 |
| Dining Out | $120 | $119 | +$1 |
| Transportation | $33 | $49 | $16 |
| Utilities | $76 | $94 | $18 |
| Other / Misc | $141 | $140 | +$1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$1,500
per month
Amsterdam equivalent
$1,191
per month
Only $1,191/mo in Amsterdam matches $1,500/mo in New York — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in New York on $1,500/month?
Living in New York on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$942 to rent, $188 to groceries, $120 to dining.
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
In Amsterdam, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $930 rent, $168 groceries, $119 dining.
Is New York or Amsterdam cheaper?
Amsterdam is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Amsterdam 65.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in New York worth in Amsterdam?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$1,191/mo in Amsterdam using COL adjustment.