Gothenburg vs Kyoto
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Kyoto is ~26% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Kyoto
Japan
COL+Rent
27.4
Rent Index
11
Groceries
44.3
Restaurant
30.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Gothenburg | Kyoto | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $819 | $488 | +$331 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $644 | $315 | +$329 |
| Groceries | $271 | $255 | +$16 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14 | $7 | +$7 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $51 | +$24 |
| Utilities | $82 | $146 | $64 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Gothenburg | Kyoto |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,047/mo | $719/mo |
| Typical | $1,457/mo | $1,045/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,844/mo | $1,274/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Gothenburg | ≈ in Kyoto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,111/mo | -$389 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,481/mo | -$519 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,222/mo | -$778 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Gothenburg vs Kyoto for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Kyoto is approximately 26% more affordable than Gothenburg when combining rent and daily living costs. Gothenburg's COL+Rent Index of 37 vs Kyoto's 27.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Gothenburg costs $819/month versus $488/month in Kyoto — giving Kyoto a $331/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,972 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Gothenburg ($271/mo) vs Kyoto ($255/mo) reflect Kyoto's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $14 vs $7 show Kyoto offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Kyoto offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,045 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.