City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Edinburgh — 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.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $732 | +$31 |
| Groceries | $283 | $249 | +$34 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $191 | $16 |
| Transportation | $78 | $66 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $86 | $152 | $66 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $110 | +$5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$1,634
per month
You'd need $1,634/mo in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh on $1,500/month?
In Edinburgh, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $732 rent, $249 groceries, $191 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Edinburgh cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$1,634/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.