City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Wellington vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Wellington | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $830 | $725 | +$105 |
| Groceries | $253 | $316 | $63 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $107 | +$28 |
| Transportation | $69 | $63 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $88 | $180 | $92 |
| Other / Misc | $125 | $109 | +$16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Wellington
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,223
per month
Only $1,223/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Wellington or Tokyo cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Wellington 50.9 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Wellington worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Wellington equals ~$1,223/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.