City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Riyadh vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Riyadh | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $628 | $633 | $5 |
| Groceries | $408 | $479 | $71 |
| Dining Out | $219 | $100 | +$119 |
| Transportation | $43 | $52 | $9 |
| Utilities | $108 | $140 | $32 |
| Other / Misc | $94 | $96 | $2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Riyadh
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$1,059
per month
Only $1,059/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Riyadh or Phuket cheaper?
Phuket is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Riyadh 31.3 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Riyadh worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Riyadh equals ~$1,059/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.