City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bangkok vs Malmö — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Bangkok
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 33.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bangkok.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bangkok | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $754 | $29 |
| Groceries | $409 | $291 | +$118 |
| Dining Out | $93 | $174 | $81 |
| Transportation | $45 | $79 | $34 |
| Utilities | $120 | $88 | +$32 |
| Other / Misc | $108 | $114 | $6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bangkok
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$1,581
per month
You'd need $1,581/mo in Malmö to match $1,500/mo in Bangkok.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Bangkok on $1,500/month?
Living in Bangkok on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $409 to groceries, $93 to dining.
Can I live in Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Bangkok or Malmö cheaper?
Bangkok is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bangkok 33.3 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bangkok worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bangkok equals ~$1,581/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.