City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
Chicago vs Stockholm — 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.
Stockholm
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,997 | $2,905 | +$92 |
| Groceries | $703 | $761 | $58 |
| Dining Out | $444 | $458 | $14 |
| Transportation | $123 | $209 | $86 |
| Utilities | $284 | $231 | +$53 |
| Other / Misc | $449 | $436 | +$13 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$5,000
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$4,466
per month
Only $4,466/mo in Stockholm 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 Stockholm on $5,000/month?
In Stockholm, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,905 rent, $761 groceries, $458 dining.
Is Chicago or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Chicago worth in Stockholm?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$4,466/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.