City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
New York vs Riyadh — 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.
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Riyadh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $942 | $628 | +$314 |
| Groceries | $188 | $408 | $220 |
| Dining Out | $120 | $219 | $99 |
| Transportation | $33 | $43 | $10 |
| Utilities | $76 | $108 | $32 |
| Other / Misc | $141 | $94 | +$47 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$1,500
per month
Riyadh equivalent
$569
per month
Only $569/mo in Riyadh 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 Riyadh on $1,500/month?
In Riyadh, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $628 rent, $408 groceries, $219 dining.
Is New York or Riyadh cheaper?
Riyadh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Riyadh 31.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in New York worth in Riyadh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$569/mo in Riyadh using COL adjustment.