City Budget Comparison

Can You Live on $1,500/month?

Istanbul vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown

Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026

Feasibility

Istanbul

Moderate

COL+Rent: 32.2 (NYC=100)

$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Istanbul.

Gothenburg

Moderate

COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)

$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.

Budget Breakdown

CategoryIstanbulGothenburgDiff
Rent (avg 1BR)$744$763$19
Groceries$353$283+$70
Dining Out$173$175$2
Transportation$35$78$43
Utilities$84$86$2
Other / Misc$111$115$4
Total$1,500$1,500

Purchasing Power

Istanbul

$1,500

per month

Gothenburg equivalent

$1,724

per month

You'd need $1,724/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Istanbul.

Other Budget Levels

FAQ

Can I live in Istanbul on $1,500/month?
Living in Istanbul on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$744 to rent, $353 to groceries, $173 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 Istanbul or Gothenburg cheaper?
Istanbul is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Istanbul 32.2 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Istanbul worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Istanbul equals ~$1,724/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.

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