City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Bangkok — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Bangkok
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 33.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bangkok.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Bangkok | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $725 | $0 |
| Groceries | $316 | $409 | $93 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $93 | +$14 |
| Transportation | $63 | $45 | +$18 |
| Utilities | $180 | $120 | +$60 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $108 | +$1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Bangkok equivalent
$1,204
per month
Only $1,204/mo in Bangkok matches $1,500/mo in Tokyo — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $1,500/month?
Living in Tokyo on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $316 to groceries, $107 to dining.
Can I live in Bangkok on $1,500/month?
In Bangkok, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $725 rent, $409 groceries, $93 dining.
Is Tokyo or Bangkok cheaper?
Bangkok is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Bangkok 33.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Bangkok?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,204/mo in Bangkok using COL adjustment.