City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Manila — 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.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $609 | +$154 |
| Groceries | $283 | $461 | $178 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $144 | +$31 |
| Transportation | $78 | $22 | +$56 |
| Utilities | $86 | $172 | $86 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $92 | +$23 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Manila equivalent
$884
per month
Only $884/mo in Manila 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 Manila on $1,500/month?
In Manila, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $609 rent, $461 groceries, $144 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Manila cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Manila?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$884/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.