City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bergen vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bergen | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $727 | $754 | $27 |
| Groceries | $328 | $291 | +$37 |
| Dining Out | $179 | $174 | +$5 |
| Transportation | $51 | $79 | $28 |
| Utilities | $106 | $88 | +$18 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $114 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bergen
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$1,043
per month
Only $1,043/mo in Malmö 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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Bergen or Malmö cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bergen 50.5 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bergen worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bergen equals ~$1,043/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.