City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Chiang Mai vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Gothenburg
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $371 | $509 | $138 |
| Groceries | $345 | $189 | +$156 |
| Dining Out | $88 | $117 | $29 |
| Transportation | $39 | $52 | $13 |
| Utilities | $101 | $57 | +$44 |
| Other / Misc | $56 | $76 | $20 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$2,139
per month
You'd need $2,139/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,000/mo in Chiang Mai.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,000/month?
Living in Chiang Mai on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$371 to rent, $345 to groceries, $88 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,000/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $509 rent, $189 groceries, $117 dining.
Is Chiang Mai or Gothenburg cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Gothenburg?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$2,139/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.