City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Wellington vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Wellington | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $830 | $557 | +$273 |
| Groceries | $253 | $517 | $264 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $133 | +$2 |
| Transportation | $69 | $58 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $88 | $152 | $64 |
| Other / Misc | $125 | $83 | +$42 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Wellington
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$510
per month
Only $510/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,500/mo in Wellington — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Wellington on $1,500/month?
Living in Wellington on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$830 to rent, $253 to groceries, $135 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Wellington or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Wellington 50.9 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Wellington worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Wellington equals ~$510/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.