City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Osaka — 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.
Osaka
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 28.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Osaka.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Osaka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $620 | +$143 |
| Groceries | $283 | $377 | $94 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $119 | +$56 |
| Transportation | $78 | $76 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $86 | $215 | $129 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $93 | +$22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Osaka equivalent
$1,172
per month
Only $1,172/mo in Osaka 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 Osaka on $1,500/month?
In Osaka, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $620 rent, $377 groceries, $119 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Osaka cheaper?
Osaka is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Osaka 28.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Osaka?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$1,172/mo in Osaka using COL adjustment.