City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Krakow — 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.
Krakow
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Krakow.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Krakow | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $682 | +$43 |
| Groceries | $316 | $283 | +$33 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $193 | $86 |
| Transportation | $63 | $38 | +$25 |
| Utilities | $180 | $202 | $22 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $102 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Krakow equivalent
$990
per month
Only $990/mo in Krakow 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 Krakow on $1,500/month?
In Krakow, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $682 rent, $283 groceries, $193 dining.
Is Tokyo or Krakow cheaper?
Krakow is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Krakow 27.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Krakow?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$990/mo in Krakow using COL adjustment.