City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/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)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Gothenburg
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,856 | $2,545 | $689 |
| Groceries | $1,723 | $943 | +$780 |
| Dining Out | $442 | $584 | $142 |
| Transportation | $193 | $261 | $68 |
| Utilities | $507 | $285 | +$222 |
| Other / Misc | $279 | $382 | $103 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$5,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$10,694
per month
You'd need $10,694/mo in Gothenburg to match $5,000/mo in Chiang Mai.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $5,000/month?
Living in Chiang Mai on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,856 to rent, $1,723 to groceries, $442 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $5,000/month?
In Gothenburg, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,545 rent, $943 groceries, $584 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 $5,000/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Gothenburg?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$10,694/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.