City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Madrid — 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.
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Madrid | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $856 | $24 |
| Groceries | $226 | $226 | $0 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $155 | $7 |
| Transportation | $25 | $28 | $3 |
| Utilities | $145 | $107 | +$38 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $128 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Madrid equivalent
$1,312
per month
Only $1,312/mo in Madrid 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 Madrid on $1,500/month?
In Madrid, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $856 rent, $226 groceries, $155 dining.
Is Rome or Madrid cheaper?
Madrid is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Madrid 42.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Madrid?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,312/mo in Madrid using COL adjustment.