City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Perth vs Wellington — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Perth
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 55.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Perth.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Perth | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $858 | $830 | +$28 |
| Groceries | $230 | $253 | $23 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $135 | +$13 |
| Transportation | $54 | $69 | $15 |
| Utilities | $82 | $88 | $6 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $125 | +$3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Perth
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$1,371
per month
Only $1,371/mo in Wellington matches $1,500/mo in Perth — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Perth on $1,500/month?
Living in Perth on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$858 to rent, $230 to groceries, $148 to dining.
Can I live in Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Perth or Wellington cheaper?
Wellington is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Perth 55.7 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Perth worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Perth equals ~$1,371/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.