City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Gothenburg vs Chicago — 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.
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $509 | $599 | $90 |
| Groceries | $189 | $141 | +$48 |
| Dining Out | $117 | $89 | +$28 |
| Transportation | $52 | $25 | +$27 |
| Utilities | $57 | $57 | $0 |
| Other / Misc | $76 | $89 | $13 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,000
per month
Chicago equivalent
$1,543
per month
You'd need $1,543/mo in Chicago to match $1,000/mo in Gothenburg.
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 Chicago on $1,000/month?
In Chicago, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $599 rent, $141 groceries, $89 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Chicago cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Gothenburg worth in Chicago?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$1,543/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.