City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Chicago vs Stockholm — 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.
Stockholm
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $599 | $581 | +$18 |
| Groceries | $141 | $152 | $11 |
| Dining Out | $89 | $92 | $3 |
| Transportation | $25 | $42 | $17 |
| Utilities | $57 | $46 | +$11 |
| Other / Misc | $89 | $87 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$1,000
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$893
per month
Only $893/mo in Stockholm 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 Stockholm on $1,000/month?
In Stockholm, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $581 rent, $152 groceries, $92 dining.
Is Chicago or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Chicago worth in Stockholm?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$893/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.