City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
New York vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $942 | $763 | +$179 |
| Groceries | $188 | $283 | $95 |
| Dining Out | $120 | $175 | $55 |
| Transportation | $33 | $78 | $45 |
| Utilities | $76 | $86 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $141 | $115 | +$26 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$673
per month
Only $673/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in New York — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in New York on $1,500/month?
Living in New York on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$942 to rent, $188 to groceries, $120 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 New York or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in New York worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$673/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.