City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Berlin vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Berlin
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Berlin.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Berlin | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $729 | $763 | $34 |
| Groceries | $250 | $283 | $33 |
| Dining Out | $164 | $175 | $11 |
| Transportation | $48 | $78 | $30 |
| Utilities | $199 | $86 | +$113 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $115 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Berlin
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,267
per month
Only $1,267/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Berlin — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Berlin on $1,500/month?
Living in Berlin on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$729 to rent, $250 to groceries, $164 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 Berlin or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Berlin 43.8 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Berlin worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Berlin equals ~$1,267/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.