City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Dublin — 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.
Dublin
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 77.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Dublin.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Dublin | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $984 | $259 |
| Groceries | $316 | $148 | +$168 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $101 | +$6 |
| Transportation | $63 | $40 | +$23 |
| Utilities | $180 | $79 | +$101 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $148 | $39 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Dublin equivalent
$2,801
per month
You'd need $2,801/mo in Dublin to match $1,500/mo in Tokyo.
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 Dublin on $1,500/month?
In Dublin, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $984 rent, $148 groceries, $101 dining.
Is Tokyo or Dublin cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Dublin 77.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Dublin?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$2,801/mo in Dublin using COL adjustment.