City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Rotterdam — 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.
Rotterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 47 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rotterdam.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Rotterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $849 | $124 |
| Groceries | $316 | $206 | +$110 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $141 | $34 |
| Transportation | $63 | $60 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $180 | $116 | +$64 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $128 | $19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Rotterdam equivalent
$1,699
per month
You'd need $1,699/mo in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam on $1,500/month?
In Rotterdam, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $849 rent, $206 groceries, $141 dining.
Is Tokyo or Rotterdam cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Rotterdam 47 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Rotterdam?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,699/mo in Rotterdam using COL adjustment.