City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
New York vs Jeddah — 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.
Jeddah
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Jeddah.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $942 | $601 | +$341 |
| Groceries | $188 | $428 | $240 |
| Dining Out | $120 | $223 | $103 |
| Transportation | $33 | $45 | $12 |
| Utilities | $76 | $113 | $37 |
| Other / Misc | $141 | $90 | +$51 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$1,500
per month
Jeddah equivalent
$491
per month
Only $491/mo in Jeddah 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 Jeddah on $1,500/month?
In Jeddah, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $601 rent, $428 groceries, $223 dining.
Is New York or Jeddah cheaper?
Jeddah is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Jeddah 27 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in New York worth in Jeddah?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$491/mo in Jeddah using COL adjustment.