City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/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)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Gothenburg.
Chicago
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,545 | $2,997 | $452 |
| Groceries | $943 | $703 | +$240 |
| Dining Out | $584 | $444 | +$140 |
| Transportation | $261 | $123 | +$138 |
| Utilities | $285 | $284 | +$1 |
| Other / Misc | $382 | $449 | $67 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$5,000
per month
Chicago equivalent
$7,716
per month
You'd need $7,716/mo in Chicago to match $5,000/mo in Gothenburg.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Gothenburg on $5,000/month?
Living in Gothenburg on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,545 to rent, $943 to groceries, $584 to dining.
Can I live in Chicago on $5,000/month?
In Chicago, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,997 rent, $703 groceries, $444 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Chicago cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Gothenburg worth in Chicago?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$7,716/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.