City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs San Francisco — 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.
San Francisco
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 75.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in San Francisco.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | San Francisco | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $934 | $209 |
| Groceries | $316 | $192 | +$124 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $123 | $16 |
| Transportation | $63 | $34 | +$29 |
| Utilities | $180 | $77 | +$103 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $140 | $31 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
San Francisco equivalent
$2,733
per month
You'd need $2,733/mo in San Francisco 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 San Francisco on $1,500/month?
In San Francisco, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $934 rent, $192 groceries, $123 dining.
Is Tokyo or San Francisco cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs San Francisco 75.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in San Francisco?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$2,733/mo in San Francisco using COL adjustment.