City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Chennai — 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.
Chennai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chennai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Chennai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $742 | $17 |
| Groceries | $316 | $317 | $1 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $196 | $89 |
| Transportation | $63 | $36 | +$27 |
| Utilities | $180 | $98 | +$82 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $111 | $2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Chennai equivalent
$654
per month
Only $654/mo in Chennai 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 Chennai on $1,500/month?
In Chennai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $742 rent, $317 groceries, $196 dining.
Is Tokyo or Chennai cheaper?
Chennai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Chennai 18.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Chennai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$654/mo in Chennai using COL adjustment.