City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Milan — 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.
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Milan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $861 | $29 |
| Groceries | $226 | $209 | +$17 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $142 | +$6 |
| Transportation | $25 | $24 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $145 | $135 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $129 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Milan equivalent
$1,759
per month
You'd need $1,759/mo in Milan 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 Milan on $1,500/month?
In Milan, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $861 rent, $209 groceries, $142 dining.
Is Rome or Milan cheaper?
Rome is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Milan 57 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Milan?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,759/mo in Milan using COL adjustment.