City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $763 | $206 |
| Groceries | $517 | $283 | +$234 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $175 | $42 |
| Transportation | $58 | $78 | $20 |
| Utilities | $152 | $86 | +$66 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $115 | $32 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$3,208
per month
You'd need $3,208/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
Living in Chiang Mai on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$557 to rent, $517 to groceries, $133 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 Chiang Mai or Gothenburg cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$3,208/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.