City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Malmö vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Malmö | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $754 | $763 | $9 |
| Groceries | $291 | $283 | +$8 |
| Dining Out | $174 | $175 | $1 |
| Transportation | $79 | $78 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $88 | $86 | +$2 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $115 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Malmö
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,581
per month
You'd need $1,581/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Malmö.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Malmö on $1,500/month?
Living in Malmö on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$754 to rent, $291 to groceries, $174 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 Malmö or Gothenburg cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Malmö 35.1 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Malmö worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Malmö equals ~$1,581/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.