City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Davao — 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.
Davao
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 14 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Davao.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $482 | +$243 |
| Groceries | $316 | $548 | $232 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $165 | $58 |
| Transportation | $63 | $27 | +$36 |
| Utilities | $180 | $206 | $26 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $72 | +$37 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Davao equivalent
$506
per month
Only $506/mo in Davao 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 Davao on $1,500/month?
In Davao, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $482 rent, $548 groceries, $165 dining.
Is Tokyo or Davao cheaper?
Davao is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Davao 14 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Davao?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$506/mo in Davao using COL adjustment.