City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Chennai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Chennai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chennai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Chennai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $742 | +$21 |
| Groceries | $283 | $317 | $34 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $196 | $21 |
| Transportation | $78 | $36 | +$42 |
| Utilities | $86 | $98 | $12 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $111 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Chennai equivalent
$734
per month
Only $734/mo in Chennai matches $1,500/mo in Gothenburg — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
Living in Gothenburg on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$763 to rent, $283 to groceries, $175 to dining.
Can I live in Chennai on $1,500/month?
In Chennai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $742 rent, $317 groceries, $196 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Chennai cheaper?
Chennai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Chennai 18.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Chennai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$734/mo in Chennai using COL adjustment.