City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Chiang Mai — 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.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $557 | +$206 |
| Groceries | $283 | $517 | $234 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $133 | +$42 |
| Transportation | $78 | $58 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $86 | $152 | $66 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $83 | +$32 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$701
per month
Only $701/mo in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 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 $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$701/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.