City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Warsaw — 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.
Warsaw
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Warsaw.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Warsaw | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $785 | $60 |
| Groceries | $316 | $233 | +$83 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $168 | $61 |
| Transportation | $63 | $30 | +$33 |
| Utilities | $180 | $166 | +$14 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $118 | $9 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Warsaw equivalent
$1,457
per month
Only $1,457/mo in Warsaw 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 Warsaw on $1,500/month?
In Warsaw, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $785 rent, $233 groceries, $168 dining.
Is Tokyo or Warsaw cheaper?
Warsaw is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Warsaw 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Warsaw?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,457/mo in Warsaw using COL adjustment.