City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Melbourne — 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.
Melbourne
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 61.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Melbourne.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Melbourne | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $888 | $56 |
| Groceries | $226 | $216 | +$10 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $135 | +$13 |
| Transportation | $25 | $51 | $26 |
| Utilities | $145 | $77 | +$68 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $133 | $9 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Melbourne equivalent
$1,910
per month
You'd need $1,910/mo in Melbourne 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 Melbourne on $1,500/month?
In Melbourne, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $888 rent, $216 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Rome or Melbourne cheaper?
Rome is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Melbourne 61.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Melbourne?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,910/mo in Melbourne using COL adjustment.