City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Chicago vs Stockholm — 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.
Stockholm
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,798 | $1,743 | +$55 |
| Groceries | $422 | $457 | $35 |
| Dining Out | $266 | $275 | $9 |
| Transportation | $74 | $125 | $51 |
| Utilities | $171 | $139 | +$32 |
| Other / Misc | $269 | $261 | +$8 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$3,000
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$2,680
per month
Only $2,680/mo in Stockholm 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 Stockholm on $3,000/month?
In Stockholm, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,743 rent, $457 groceries, $275 dining.
Is Chicago or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Chicago worth in Stockholm?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$2,680/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.