City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs Stockholm — 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.
Stockholm
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $872 | $263 |
| Groceries | $461 | $228 | +$233 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $137 | +$7 |
| Transportation | $22 | $63 | $41 |
| Utilities | $172 | $69 | +$103 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $131 | $39 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$3,509
per month
You'd need $3,509/mo in Stockholm 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 Stockholm on $1,500/month?
In Stockholm, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $872 rent, $228 groceries, $137 dining.
Is Manila or Stockholm cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in Stockholm?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$3,509/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.