City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Seoul vs London — 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.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seoul | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $673 | $906 | $233 |
| Groceries | $452 | $171 | +$281 |
| Dining Out | $111 | $136 | $25 |
| Transportation | $42 | $46 | $4 |
| Utilities | $120 | $105 | +$15 |
| Other / Misc | $102 | $136 | $34 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seoul
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$2,209
per month
You'd need $2,209/mo in London to match $1,500/mo in Seoul.
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 London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Seoul or London cheaper?
Seoul is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seoul 49.5 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Seoul worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Seoul equals ~$2,209/mo in London using COL adjustment.