City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
Chicago vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chicago.
Gothenburg
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,997 | $2,545 | +$452 |
| Groceries | $703 | $943 | $240 |
| Dining Out | $444 | $584 | $140 |
| Transportation | $123 | $261 | $138 |
| Utilities | $284 | $285 | $1 |
| Other / Misc | $449 | $382 | +$67 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$5,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$3,240
per month
Only $3,240/mo in Gothenburg matches $5,000/mo in Chicago — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $5,000/month?
Living in Chicago on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,997 to rent, $703 to groceries, $444 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 Chicago or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Chicago worth in Gothenburg?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$3,240/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.