City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Cape Town vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Cape Town
Moderate
COL+Rent: 28.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Cape Town.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cape Town | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $708 | $763 | $55 |
| Groceries | $274 | $283 | $9 |
| Dining Out | $241 | $175 | +$66 |
| Transportation | $45 | $78 | $33 |
| Utilities | $126 | $86 | +$40 |
| Other / Misc | $106 | $115 | $9 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Cape Town
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,947
per month
You'd need $1,947/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Cape Town.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Cape Town on $1,500/month?
Living in Cape Town on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$708 to rent, $274 to groceries, $241 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 Cape Town or Gothenburg cheaper?
Cape Town is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Cape Town 28.5 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Cape Town worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Cape Town equals ~$1,947/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.