City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chennai vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chennai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chennai.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chennai | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $742 | $763 | $21 |
| Groceries | $317 | $283 | +$34 |
| Dining Out | $196 | $175 | +$21 |
| Transportation | $36 | $78 | $42 |
| Utilities | $98 | $86 | +$12 |
| Other / Misc | $111 | $115 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chennai
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$3,066
per month
You'd need $3,066/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Chennai.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chennai on $1,500/month?
Living in Chennai on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$742 to rent, $317 to groceries, $196 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 Chennai or Gothenburg cheaper?
Chennai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chennai 18.1 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chennai worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chennai equals ~$3,066/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.