City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $633 | +$130 |
| Groceries | $283 | $479 | $196 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $100 | +$75 |
| Transportation | $78 | $52 | +$26 |
| Utilities | $86 | $140 | $54 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $96 | +$19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$896
per month
Only $896/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Phuket cheaper?
Phuket is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$896/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.