City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Chicago — 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.
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $899 | $136 |
| Groceries | $283 | $211 | +$72 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $133 | +$42 |
| Transportation | $78 | $37 | +$41 |
| Utilities | $86 | $85 | +$1 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $135 | $20 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Chicago equivalent
$2,315
per month
You'd need $2,315/mo in Chicago to match $1,500/mo in Gothenburg.
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 Chicago on $1,500/month?
In Chicago, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $899 rent, $211 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Chicago cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Chicago?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$2,315/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.