City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $942 | $110 |
| Groceries | $226 | $188 | +$38 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $120 | +$28 |
| Transportation | $25 | $33 | $8 |
| Utilities | $145 | $76 | +$69 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $141 | $17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$2,546
per month
You'd need $2,546/mo in New York 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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Rome or New York cheaper?
Rome is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$2,546/mo in New York using COL adjustment.