City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Montreal — 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.
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $856 | $131 |
| Groceries | $316 | $231 | +$85 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $142 | $35 |
| Transportation | $63 | $52 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $180 | $90 | +$90 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $129 | $20 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Montreal equivalent
$1,608
per month
You'd need $1,608/mo in Montreal 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 Montreal on $1,500/month?
In Montreal, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $856 rent, $231 groceries, $142 dining.
Is Tokyo or Montreal cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Montreal 44.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Montreal?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,608/mo in Montreal using COL adjustment.