City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $763 | +$93 |
| Groceries | $226 | $283 | $57 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $175 | $20 |
| Transportation | $28 | $78 | $50 |
| Utilities | $107 | $86 | +$21 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $115 | +$13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,306
per month
Only $1,306/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Madrid — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Madrid on $1,500/month?
Living in Madrid on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $226 to groceries, $155 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 Madrid or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$1,306/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.