City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $725 | +$107 |
| Groceries | $226 | $316 | $90 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $107 | +$41 |
| Transportation | $25 | $63 | $38 |
| Utilities | $145 | $180 | $35 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $109 | +$15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,281
per month
Only $1,281/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Rome or Tokyo cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,281/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.