City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $763 | $154 |
| Groceries | $461 | $283 | +$178 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $175 | $31 |
| Transportation | $22 | $78 | $56 |
| Utilities | $172 | $86 | +$86 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $115 | $23 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$2,546
per month
You'd need $2,546/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Manila.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Manila on $1,500/month?
Living in Manila on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$609 to rent, $461 to groceries, $144 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 Manila or Gothenburg cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$2,546/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.