City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Ho Chi Minh City — 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.
Ho Chi Minh City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Ho Chi Minh City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $764 | $39 |
| Groceries | $316 | $406 | $90 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $94 | +$13 |
| Transportation | $63 | $14 | +$49 |
| Utilities | $180 | $108 | +$72 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $114 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Ho Chi Minh City equivalent
$802
per month
Only $802/mo in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/month?
In Ho Chi Minh City, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $764 rent, $406 groceries, $94 dining.
Is Tokyo or Ho Chi Minh City cheaper?
Ho Chi Minh City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Ho Chi Minh City 22.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Ho Chi Minh City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$802/mo in Ho Chi Minh City using COL adjustment.