City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Madrid — 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.
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Madrid | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $856 | $93 |
| Groceries | $283 | $226 | +$57 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $155 | +$20 |
| Transportation | $78 | $28 | +$50 |
| Utilities | $86 | $107 | $21 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $128 | $13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Madrid equivalent
$1,723
per month
You'd need $1,723/mo in Madrid 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 Madrid on $1,500/month?
In Madrid, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $856 rent, $226 groceries, $155 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Madrid cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Madrid 42.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Madrid?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$1,723/mo in Madrid using COL adjustment.