City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Riyadh vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Riyadh | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $628 | $942 | $314 |
| Groceries | $408 | $188 | +$220 |
| Dining Out | $219 | $120 | +$99 |
| Transportation | $43 | $33 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $108 | $76 | +$32 |
| Other / Misc | $94 | $141 | $47 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Riyadh
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$3,954
per month
You'd need $3,954/mo in New York to match $1,500/mo in Riyadh.
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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Riyadh or New York cheaper?
Riyadh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Riyadh 31.3 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Riyadh worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Riyadh equals ~$3,954/mo in New York using COL adjustment.