City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Riyadh vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Riyadh | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $628 | $557 | +$71 |
| Groceries | $408 | $517 | $109 |
| Dining Out | $219 | $133 | +$86 |
| Transportation | $43 | $58 | $15 |
| Utilities | $108 | $152 | $44 |
| Other / Misc | $94 | $83 | +$11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Riyadh
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$829
per month
Only $829/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,500/mo in Riyadh — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Riyadh on $1,500/month?
Living in Riyadh on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$628 to rent, $408 to groceries, $219 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Riyadh or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Riyadh 31.3 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Riyadh worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Riyadh equals ~$829/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.