City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Cali vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Cali
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 16.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cali.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cali | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $585 | $763 | $178 |
| Groceries | $452 | $283 | +$169 |
| Dining Out | $216 | $175 | +$41 |
| Transportation | $62 | $78 | $16 |
| Utilities | $98 | $86 | +$12 |
| Other / Misc | $87 | $115 | $28 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Cali
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$3,323
per month
You'd need $3,323/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Cali.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Cali on $1,500/month?
Living in Cali on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$585 to rent, $452 to groceries, $216 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 Cali or Gothenburg cheaper?
Cali is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Cali 16.7 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Cali worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Cali equals ~$3,323/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.