City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Chicago vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Moderate
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Chicago.
Gothenburg
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,798 | $1,527 | +$271 |
| Groceries | $422 | $566 | $144 |
| Dining Out | $266 | $351 | $85 |
| Transportation | $74 | $157 | $83 |
| Utilities | $171 | $171 | $0 |
| Other / Misc | $269 | $228 | +$41 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$3,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,944
per month
Only $1,944/mo in Gothenburg matches $3,000/mo in Chicago — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $3,000/month?
Living in Chicago on $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$1,798 to rent, $422 to groceries, $266 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $3,000/month?
In Gothenburg, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,527 rent, $566 groceries, $351 dining.
Is Chicago or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Chicago worth in Gothenburg?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$1,944/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.