City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Brasília — 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.
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $568 | +$157 |
| Groceries | $316 | $427 | $111 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $221 | $114 |
| Transportation | $63 | $88 | $25 |
| Utilities | $180 | $111 | +$69 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $85 | +$24 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Brasília equivalent
$647
per month
Only $647/mo in Brasília 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 Brasília on $1,500/month?
In Brasília, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $568 rent, $427 groceries, $221 dining.
Is Tokyo or Brasília cheaper?
Brasília is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Brasília 17.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Brasília?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$647/mo in Brasília using COL adjustment.