City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $763 | +$167 |
| Groceries | $168 | $283 | $115 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $175 | $56 |
| Transportation | $49 | $78 | $29 |
| Utilities | $94 | $86 | +$8 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $115 | +$25 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$847
per month
Only $847/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Amsterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$930 to rent, $168 to groceries, $119 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $763 rent, $283 groceries, $175 dining.
Is Amsterdam or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$847/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.