City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Istanbul — 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.
Istanbul
Moderate
COL+Rent: 32.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Istanbul.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Istanbul | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $744 | +$19 |
| Groceries | $283 | $353 | $70 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $173 | +$2 |
| Transportation | $78 | $35 | +$43 |
| Utilities | $86 | $84 | +$2 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $111 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Istanbul equivalent
$1,305
per month
Only $1,305/mo in Istanbul matches $1,500/mo in Gothenburg — better value.
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 Istanbul on $1,500/month?
In Istanbul, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $744 rent, $353 groceries, $173 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Istanbul cheaper?
Istanbul is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Istanbul 32.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Istanbul?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$1,305/mo in Istanbul using COL adjustment.