City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Thessaloniki — 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.
Thessaloniki
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Thessaloniki.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Thessaloniki | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $475 | +$357 |
| Groceries | $226 | $403 | $177 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $306 | $158 |
| Transportation | $25 | $39 | $14 |
| Utilities | $145 | $206 | $61 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $71 | +$53 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Thessaloniki equivalent
$852
per month
Only $852/mo in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki on $1,500/month?
In Thessaloniki, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $475 rent, $403 groceries, $306 dining.
Is Rome or Thessaloniki cheaper?
Thessaloniki is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Thessaloniki 27.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Thessaloniki?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$852/mo in Thessaloniki using COL adjustment.