City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Perth — 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.
Perth
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 55.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Perth.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Perth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $858 | $26 |
| Groceries | $226 | $230 | $4 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $148 | $0 |
| Transportation | $25 | $54 | $29 |
| Utilities | $145 | $82 | +$63 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $128 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Perth equivalent
$1,719
per month
You'd need $1,719/mo in Perth 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 Perth on $1,500/month?
In Perth, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $858 rent, $230 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Rome or Perth cheaper?
Rome is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Perth 55.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Perth?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,719/mo in Perth using COL adjustment.