City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $725 | +$38 |
| Groceries | $283 | $316 | $33 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $107 | +$68 |
| Transportation | $78 | $63 | +$15 |
| Utilities | $86 | $180 | $94 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $109 | +$6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,682
per month
You'd need $1,682/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Gothenburg or Tokyo cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$1,682/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.