City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Gothenburg vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Gothenburg
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Gothenburg.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $509 | $371 | +$138 |
| Groceries | $189 | $345 | $156 |
| Dining Out | $117 | $88 | +$29 |
| Transportation | $52 | $39 | +$13 |
| Utilities | $57 | $101 | $44 |
| Other / Misc | $76 | $56 | +$20 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,000
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$468
per month
Only $468/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,000/mo in Gothenburg — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,000/month?
Living in Gothenburg on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$509 to rent, $189 to groceries, $117 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,000/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $371 rent, $345 groceries, $88 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Gothenburg worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$468/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.