City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Seoul vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seoul | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $673 | $725 | $52 |
| Groceries | $452 | $316 | +$136 |
| Dining Out | $111 | $107 | +$4 |
| Transportation | $42 | $63 | $21 |
| Utilities | $120 | $180 | $60 |
| Other / Misc | $102 | $109 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seoul
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,258
per month
Only $1,258/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Seoul or Tokyo cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seoul 49.5 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Seoul worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Seoul equals ~$1,258/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.