City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chennai vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chennai | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $742 | $754 | $12 |
| Groceries | $317 | $291 | +$26 |
| Dining Out | $196 | $174 | +$22 |
| Transportation | $36 | $79 | $43 |
| Utilities | $98 | $88 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $111 | $114 | $3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chennai
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$2,909
per month
You'd need $2,909/mo in Malmö 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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Chennai or Malmö cheaper?
Chennai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chennai 18.1 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chennai worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chennai equals ~$2,909/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.