City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Perth — 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.
Perth
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 55.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Perth.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Perth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $858 | $133 |
| Groceries | $316 | $230 | +$86 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $148 | $41 |
| Transportation | $63 | $54 | +$9 |
| Utilities | $180 | $82 | +$98 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $128 | $19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Perth equivalent
$2,013
per month
You'd need $2,013/mo in Perth 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 Perth on $1,500/month?
In Perth, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $858 rent, $230 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Tokyo or Perth cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Perth 55.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Perth?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$2,013/mo in Perth using COL adjustment.