City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs London — 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.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $906 | $74 |
| Groceries | $226 | $171 | +$55 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $136 | +$12 |
| Transportation | $25 | $46 | $21 |
| Utilities | $145 | $105 | +$40 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $136 | $12 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$2,250
per month
You'd need $2,250/mo in London to match $1,500/mo in Rome.
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 London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Rome or London cheaper?
Rome is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$2,250/mo in London using COL adjustment.