City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $754 | +$9 |
| Groceries | $283 | $291 | $8 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $174 | +$1 |
| Transportation | $78 | $79 | $1 |
| Utilities | $86 | $88 | $2 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $114 | +$1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$1,423
per month
Only $1,423/mo in Malmö 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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Malmö cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$1,423/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.