City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Seoul — 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.
Seoul
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Seoul.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Seoul | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $673 | +$90 |
| Groceries | $283 | $452 | $169 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $111 | +$64 |
| Transportation | $78 | $42 | +$36 |
| Utilities | $86 | $120 | $34 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $102 | +$13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Seoul equivalent
$2,007
per month
You'd need $2,007/mo in Seoul 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 Seoul on $1,500/month?
In Seoul, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $673 rent, $452 groceries, $111 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Seoul cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Seoul 49.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Seoul?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$2,007/mo in Seoul using COL adjustment.