City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bergen vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Bergen
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Bergen.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bergen | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $727 | $763 | $36 |
| Groceries | $328 | $283 | +$45 |
| Dining Out | $179 | $175 | +$4 |
| Transportation | $51 | $78 | $27 |
| Utilities | $106 | $86 | +$20 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $115 | $6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bergen
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,099
per month
Only $1,099/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Bergen — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Bergen on $1,500/month?
Living in Bergen on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$727 to rent, $328 to groceries, $179 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 Bergen or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bergen 50.5 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bergen worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bergen equals ~$1,099/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.