City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
Tokyo vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Tokyo.
London
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,417 | $3,019 | $602 |
| Groceries | $1,052 | $571 | +$481 |
| Dining Out | $357 | $455 | $98 |
| Transportation | $211 | $153 | +$58 |
| Utilities | $600 | $349 | +$251 |
| Other / Misc | $363 | $453 | $90 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$5,000
per month
London equivalent
$8,783
per month
You'd need $8,783/mo in London to match $5,000/mo in Tokyo.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $5,000/month?
Living in Tokyo on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,417 to rent, $1,052 to groceries, $357 to dining.
Can I live in London on $5,000/month?
In London, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $3,019 rent, $571 groceries, $455 dining.
Is Tokyo or London cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Tokyo worth in London?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$8,783/mo in London using COL adjustment.