City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Montreal vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Montreal | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $763 | +$93 |
| Groceries | $231 | $283 | $52 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $175 | $33 |
| Transportation | $52 | $78 | $26 |
| Utilities | $90 | $86 | +$4 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $115 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Montreal
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,247
per month
Only $1,247/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Montreal — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Montreal on $1,500/month?
Living in Montreal on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $231 to groceries, $142 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 Montreal or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Montreal 44.5 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Montreal worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Montreal equals ~$1,247/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.