City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Seoul vs Graz — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Seoul
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Seoul.
Graz
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 39.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Graz.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seoul | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $673 | $680 | $7 |
| Groceries | $452 | $347 | +$105 |
| Dining Out | $111 | $169 | $58 |
| Transportation | $42 | $44 | $2 |
| Utilities | $120 | $159 | $39 |
| Other / Misc | $102 | $101 | +$1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seoul
$1,500
per month
Graz equivalent
$1,194
per month
Only $1,194/mo in Graz matches $1,500/mo in Seoul — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Seoul on $1,500/month?
Living in Seoul on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$673 to rent, $452 to groceries, $111 to dining.
Can I live in Graz on $1,500/month?
In Graz, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $680 rent, $347 groceries, $169 dining.
Is Seoul or Graz cheaper?
Graz is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seoul 49.5 vs Graz 39.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Seoul worth in Graz?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Seoul equals ~$1,194/mo in Graz using COL adjustment.