City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Malmö vs Wellington — 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.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Malmö | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $754 | $830 | $76 |
| Groceries | $291 | $253 | +$38 |
| Dining Out | $174 | $135 | +$39 |
| Transportation | $79 | $69 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $88 | $88 | $0 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $125 | $11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Malmö
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$2,175
per month
You'd need $2,175/mo in Wellington 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 Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Malmö or Wellington cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Malmö 35.1 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Malmö worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Malmö equals ~$2,175/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.