City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Jeddah — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Jeddah
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Jeddah.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $601 | +$231 |
| Groceries | $226 | $428 | $202 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $223 | $75 |
| Transportation | $25 | $45 | $20 |
| Utilities | $145 | $113 | +$32 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $90 | +$34 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Jeddah equivalent
$833
per month
Only $833/mo in Jeddah matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 to groceries, $148 to dining.
Can I live in Jeddah on $1,500/month?
In Jeddah, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $601 rent, $428 groceries, $223 dining.
Is Rome or Jeddah cheaper?
Jeddah is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Jeddah 27 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Jeddah?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$833/mo in Jeddah using COL adjustment.