City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Wellington — 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.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $830 | $105 |
| Groceries | $316 | $253 | +$63 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $135 | $28 |
| Transportation | $63 | $69 | $6 |
| Utilities | $180 | $88 | +$92 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $125 | $16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$1,840
per month
You'd need $1,840/mo in Wellington 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 Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Tokyo or Wellington cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,840/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.