City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs London — 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.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $906 | $181 |
| Groceries | $316 | $171 | +$145 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $136 | $29 |
| Transportation | $63 | $46 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $180 | $105 | +$75 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $136 | $27 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$2,635
per month
You'd need $2,635/mo in London 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 London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Tokyo or London cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$2,635/mo in London using COL adjustment.