City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Riyadh — 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.
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Riyadh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $628 | +$97 |
| Groceries | $316 | $408 | $92 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $219 | $112 |
| Transportation | $63 | $43 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $180 | $108 | +$72 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $94 | +$15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Riyadh equivalent
$1,131
per month
Only $1,131/mo in Riyadh matches $1,500/mo in Tokyo — better value.
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 Riyadh on $1,500/month?
In Riyadh, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $628 rent, $408 groceries, $219 dining.
Is Tokyo or Riyadh cheaper?
Riyadh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Riyadh 31.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Riyadh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,131/mo in Riyadh using COL adjustment.