City Budget Comparison

Can You Live on $1,500/month?

San Francisco vs London — Budget Breakdown

Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026

Feasibility

Likely Insufficient

COL+Rent: 75.6 (NYC=100)

$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in San Francisco.

Likely Insufficient

COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)

$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.

Category	San Francisco	London	Diff
Rent (avg 1BR)	$934	$906	+$28
Groceries	$192	$171	+$21
Dining Out	$123	$136	$13
Transportation	$34	$46	$12
Utilities	$77	$105	$28
Other / Misc	$140	$136	+$4
Total	$1,500	$1,500	—

San Francisco

$1,500

per month

London equivalent

$1,446

per month

Only $1,446/mo in London matches $1,500/mo in San Francisco — better value.

Can I live in San Francisco on $1,500/month?

Living in San Francisco on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$934 to rent, $192 to groceries, $123 to dining.

Can I live in London on $1,500/month?

In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.

Is San Francisco or London cheaper?

London is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: San Francisco 75.6 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).

What is $1,500/mo in San Francisco worth in London?

$1,500/mo of purchasing power in San Francisco equals ~$1,446/mo in London using COL adjustment.