City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Athens vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Athens
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Athens.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Athens | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $581 | $763 | $182 |
| Groceries | $353 | $283 | +$70 |
| Dining Out | $264 | $175 | +$89 |
| Transportation | $34 | $78 | $44 |
| Utilities | $181 | $86 | +$95 |
| Other / Misc | $87 | $115 | $28 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Athens
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,430
per month
Only $1,430/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Athens — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Athens on $1,500/month?
Living in Athens on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$581 to rent, $353 to groceries, $264 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 Athens or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Athens 38.8 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Athens worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Athens equals ~$1,430/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.