City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
New York vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
New York
Moderate
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in New York.
Gothenburg
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $3,141 | $2,545 | +$596 |
| Groceries | $626 | $943 | $317 |
| Dining Out | $398 | $584 | $186 |
| Transportation | $110 | $261 | $151 |
| Utilities | $253 | $285 | $32 |
| Other / Misc | $472 | $382 | +$90 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$5,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$2,242
per month
Only $2,242/mo in Gothenburg matches $5,000/mo in New York — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in New York on $5,000/month?
Living in New York on $5,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$3,141 to rent, $626 to groceries, $398 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $5,000/month?
In Gothenburg, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,545 rent, $943 groceries, $584 dining.
Is New York or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in New York worth in Gothenburg?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$2,242/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.