City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Chicago vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Gothenburg
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $599 | $509 | +$90 |
| Groceries | $141 | $189 | $48 |
| Dining Out | $89 | $117 | $28 |
| Transportation | $25 | $52 | $27 |
| Utilities | $57 | $57 | $0 |
| Other / Misc | $89 | $76 | +$13 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$1,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$648
per month
Only $648/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,000/mo in Chicago — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $1,000/month?
Living in Chicago on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$599 to rent, $141 to groceries, $89 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 Chicago or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Chicago worth in Gothenburg?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$648/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.