City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Milan — 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.
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Milan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $861 | $136 |
| Groceries | $316 | $209 | +$107 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $142 | $35 |
| Transportation | $63 | $24 | +$39 |
| Utilities | $180 | $135 | +$45 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $129 | $20 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Milan equivalent
$2,060
per month
You'd need $2,060/mo in Milan 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 Milan on $1,500/month?
In Milan, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $861 rent, $209 groceries, $142 dining.
Is Tokyo or Milan cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Milan 57 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Milan?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$2,060/mo in Milan using COL adjustment.