City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Seoul — 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.
Seoul
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Seoul.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Seoul | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $673 | +$52 |
| Groceries | $316 | $452 | $136 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $111 | $4 |
| Transportation | $63 | $42 | +$21 |
| Utilities | $180 | $120 | +$60 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $102 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Seoul equivalent
$1,789
per month
You'd need $1,789/mo in Seoul 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 Seoul on $1,500/month?
In Seoul, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $673 rent, $452 groceries, $111 dining.
Is Tokyo or Seoul cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Seoul 49.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Seoul?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,789/mo in Seoul using COL adjustment.