City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Rome — 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.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $832 | $107 |
| Groceries | $316 | $226 | +$90 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $148 | $41 |
| Transportation | $63 | $25 | +$38 |
| Utilities | $180 | $145 | +$35 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $124 | $15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$1,757
per month
You'd need $1,757/mo in Rome 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 Rome on $1,500/month?
In Rome, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $832 rent, $226 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Tokyo or Rome cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,757/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.