Is $1,500 a month enough to live?

Asked by: Josh Satterfield III  |  Last update: October 22, 2025
Score: 5/5 (30 votes)

According to a study conducted by GoBankingRates, 25% of respondents say they plan to live on just $1500 per month. While this may sound challenging as this amount is close to the poverty level for a family of two, it does not include housing costs.

Is it possible to live on $1500 a month?

It's Possible To Retire on a $1,500 Monthly Budget

But with a little creativity and flexibility, you may find a new home with everything you want, including a good climate, welcoming community and affordable lifestyle.

Is $1500 per month enough?

It depends on lifestyle and personal preferences. However, to be comfortable you can expect to spend £1,500-£2,000 per month of your net income.

Is $1500 a month too much for rent?

Yes you can afford it. Rule of thumb is gross income (pre tax) of 3x rent. That would put your budget at about $1600.

How much money is enough to live per month?

Average monthly expenses per household: $6,440

The average expenses for a single consumer unit in one month in 2023 were $6,440. Average spending for the entire year came out to $77,280. The cost of living can vary by region -- some cities are cheaper to live in and others are more expensive.

Could You Live on JUST $1500 a Month? - What Professionals Would Do

44 related questions found

Can you live comfortably on $1,000 a month?

Living on $1,000 per month is a challenge. From the high costs of housing, transportation and food, plus trying to keep your bills to a minimum, it would be difficult for anyone living alone to make this work. But with some creativity, roommates and strategy, you might be able to pull it off.

Is $1500 a month expensive?

California reigns as top state for small cities where $1,500 stretches the least. This year, California cities stood out on both of our lists of big and small cities where a monthly rent budget of $1,500 doesn't go far.

What salary do I need to afford $1500 rent?

How much should I make to Afford $1500 Rent? Let's say you've got your eye on a cool place that costs $1,500 a month. You want to stick to the 30% rule, so let's do the math: $1,500 / 0.30 = $5,000. That's your target monthly income.

Is 1500 rent affordable?

According to the 30% rule, a person earning $5,000 gross per month could reasonably afford to spend $1,500 per month on rent. However, it's important to remember that this is only a guideline.

Can you survive on $2000 a month?

Retiring on $2,000 per month is very possible,” said Gary Knode, president at Safe Harbor Financial. “In my practice, I've seen it work. The key is reducing expenses and eliminating any market risk that could impact your savings if there were a major market downturn.

Is investing $1,500 a month good?

Averaging 10% annual returns, someone can hit the $1 million mark in 31 years by investing $500 monthly. Doubling the monthly investment to $1,000 shaves seven years off the time, and investing $1,500 monthly puts you on a path to accomplish it in just two decades.

How much money does the average person need a month?

A single person household spends an average of $4,641 on monthly expenses. Married couples without kids spend an average of $7,390 on monthly expenses. A family of four spends an average of $8,450–9,817 on monthly expenses (depending on kids' ages).

Where can I live on $1400 a month?

13 Places Where You Can Live on as Little as $1,500 a Month
  • Penang, Malaysia.
  • Chiang Mai, Thailand.
  • Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
  • Kuching, Malaysia.
  • Hoi An, Vietnam.
  • Querétaro, Mexico.
  • Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
  • Cozumel, Mexico.

Can you survive a month with $1,000 dollars?

Making your budget work when you have $1,000 in monthly income is possible, though it might take some serious work. Drastically reducing expenses can be a great place to start, and bringing in more income can of course help, too. Changing banks is one more money-saving tip to know.

How much money do you need a month to live on your own?

The average monthly expenses for a single person will depend quite a bit on where you live, and if you're living alone for the first time, you might be surprised that most things cost more, not just your rent. The national average expenses for a single person living alone are around $3,500 per month.

Can you live on $1,500 a month?

We've asked financial experts to weigh in and many have emphasized that with careful planning and well thought out strategies, it's entirely possible to live on this amount during retirement.

What is 3 times the rent of $1500?

Let's consider several examples to understand how to calculate 3 times the rent: What is 3 times the rent of $1500? You want to calculate your required income to afford to rent a specific apartment (aka three times the rent law). Hence, when someone asks how much is 3 times the rent, in this case, you can answer $4500.

How much house can I afford with $1500 monthly payment?

If you bring the national average down payment of 6% to closing and have a 7.69% rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage, that's just shy of $1,700 a month in principal and interest. What does $1,500 buy with those same terms? About $225,000 worth of house, give or take.

What is a really good monthly income?

While this figure can vary based on factors such as location, family size, and lifestyle preferences, a common range for a good monthly salary is between $6,000 and $8,333 for individuals.

Where can I live on $1,700 a month?

Medellín, Colombia

Couples can live there for less than $1,700 per month, enjoying the springlike climate, outdoor recreation and vibrant culture. Colombia provides the amenities and infrastructure of a high-cost-of-living country at a low cost.

What is a livable salary in us?

An analysis of the living wage (as calculated in December 2022 and reflecting a compensation being offered to an individual in 2023), compiling geographically specific expenditure data for food, childcare, health care, housing, transportation, and other necessities, finds that: The living wage in the United States is ...

What salary is considered middle class?

In 2022, the national middle-income range was about $56,600 to $169,800 annually for a household of three. Lower-income households had incomes less than $56,600, and upper-income households had incomes greater than $169,800. (Incomes are calculated in 2022 dollars.)

What is the best state to live in financially?

  • Arkansas. #1 in Cost of Living. #47 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Mississippi. #2 in Cost of Living. #48 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Alabama. #3 in Cost of Living. ...
  • South Dakota. #4 in Cost of Living. ...
  • Iowa. #5 in Cost of Living. ...
  • North Dakota. #6 in Cost of Living. ...
  • Oklahoma. #7 in Cost of Living. ...
  • West Virginia. #8 in Cost of Living.