City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Calgary vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Calgary
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 47.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Calgary.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Calgary | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $857 | $763 | +$94 |
| Groceries | $228 | $283 | $55 |
| Dining Out | $147 | $175 | $28 |
| Transportation | $51 | $78 | $27 |
| Utilities | $88 | $86 | +$2 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $115 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Calgary
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,164
per month
Only $1,164/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Calgary — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Calgary on $1,500/month?
Living in Calgary on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$857 to rent, $228 to groceries, $147 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 Calgary or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Calgary 47.7 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Calgary worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Calgary equals ~$1,164/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.