City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs São Paulo — 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.
São Paulo
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 23.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in São Paulo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | São Paulo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $649 | +$76 |
| Groceries | $316 | $390 | $74 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $183 | $76 |
| Transportation | $63 | $80 | $17 |
| Utilities | $180 | $102 | +$78 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $96 | +$13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
São Paulo equivalent
$846
per month
Only $846/mo in São Paulo 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 São Paulo on $1,500/month?
In São Paulo, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $649 rent, $390 groceries, $183 dining.
Is Tokyo or São Paulo cheaper?
São Paulo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs São Paulo 23.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in São Paulo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$846/mo in São Paulo using COL adjustment.