How we built the atlas
Each place starts from one named reference budget for a single adult. We convert local-currency figures to US dollars at a fixed FX snapshot (ECB euro reference rates on 3 November 2026; Vietcombank transfer buy/sell midpoint for the dong) and round every line to whole dollars so each breakdown adds up exactly to its total.
Published reference versus modeled estimate
The card for each city states its basis. A reference budget follows a published source. A modeled budget scales that source to another household using fixed factors for rent, utilities, food, transport, health, household essentials and leisure. Where a source publishes a two-adult or family basket, we use it instead of the model.
Children and school tuition
The family profile assumes two school-age children and includes an allowance for school supplies and activities. Tuition varies too much between schools to model, so it is left out: enter your annual quote for both children and the atlas adds the monthly equivalent. Childcare and one-off school fees, such as enrolment or building fees, are separate.
What the figures are not
These are planning allowances, not current listings or price quotes. Rent in particular depends on the neighborhood, lease length and furnishing. Before signing anything, get written quotes for housing and health insurance, and check your visa and tax position. Our budget calculator lets you replace every figure with your own.