City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $942 | $179 |
| Groceries | $283 | $188 | +$95 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $120 | +$55 |
| Transportation | $78 | $33 | +$45 |
| Utilities | $86 | $76 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $141 | $26 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$3,345
per month
You'd need $3,345/mo in New York 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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Gothenburg or New York cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$3,345/mo in New York using COL adjustment.