City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Ho Chi Minh City vs Malmö — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Ho Chi Minh City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Ho Chi Minh City | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $764 | $754 | +$10 |
| Groceries | $406 | $291 | +$115 |
| Dining Out | $94 | $174 | $80 |
| Transportation | $14 | $79 | $65 |
| Utilities | $108 | $88 | +$20 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $114 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Ho Chi Minh City
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$2,372
per month
You'd need $2,372/mo in Malmö to match $1,500/mo in Ho Chi Minh City.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/month?
Living in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$764 to rent, $406 to groceries, $94 to dining.
Can I live in Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Malmö cheaper?
Ho Chi Minh City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Ho Chi Minh City 22.2 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Ho Chi Minh City worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Ho Chi Minh City equals ~$2,372/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.