City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $942 | $217 |
| Groceries | $316 | $188 | +$128 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $120 | $13 |
| Transportation | $63 | $33 | +$30 |
| Utilities | $180 | $76 | +$104 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $141 | $32 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$2,982
per month
You'd need $2,982/mo in New York 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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Tokyo or New York cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$2,982/mo in New York using COL adjustment.