City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Gothenburg vs Chicago — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Gothenburg
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Gothenburg.
Chicago
Moderate
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,527 | $1,798 | $271 |
| Groceries | $566 | $422 | +$144 |
| Dining Out | $351 | $266 | +$85 |
| Transportation | $157 | $74 | +$83 |
| Utilities | $171 | $171 | $0 |
| Other / Misc | $228 | $269 | $41 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$3,000
per month
Chicago equivalent
$4,630
per month
You'd need $4,630/mo in Chicago to match $3,000/mo in Gothenburg.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Gothenburg on $3,000/month?
Living in Gothenburg on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,527 to rent, $566 to groceries, $351 to dining.
Can I live in Chicago on $3,000/month?
In Chicago, $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $1,798 rent, $422 groceries, $266 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Chicago cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Gothenburg worth in Chicago?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$4,630/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.