City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Cebu — 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.
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Cebu | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $511 | +$214 |
| Groceries | $316 | $538 | $222 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $149 | $42 |
| Transportation | $63 | $25 | +$38 |
| Utilities | $180 | $201 | $21 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $76 | +$33 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Cebu equivalent
$560
per month
Only $560/mo in Cebu 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 Cebu on $1,500/month?
In Cebu, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $511 rent, $538 groceries, $149 dining.
Is Tokyo or Cebu cheaper?
Cebu is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Cebu 15.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Cebu?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$560/mo in Cebu using COL adjustment.