City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $633 | +$199 |
| Groceries | $226 | $479 | $253 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $100 | +$48 |
| Transportation | $25 | $52 | $27 |
| Utilities | $145 | $140 | +$5 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $96 | +$28 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$682
per month
Only $682/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Rome or Phuket cheaper?
Phuket is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$682/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.