City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Hamburg vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Hamburg
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 49.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Hamburg.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Hamburg | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $764 | $763 | +$1 |
| Groceries | $234 | $283 | $49 |
| Dining Out | $158 | $175 | $17 |
| Transportation | $45 | $78 | $33 |
| Utilities | $185 | $86 | +$99 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $115 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Hamburg
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,126
per month
Only $1,126/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Hamburg — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Hamburg on $1,500/month?
Living in Hamburg on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$764 to rent, $234 to groceries, $158 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $763 rent, $283 groceries, $175 dining.
Is Hamburg or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Hamburg 49.3 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Hamburg worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Hamburg equals ~$1,126/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.