City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
New York vs Stockholm — 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.
Stockholm
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $942 | $872 | +$70 |
| Groceries | $188 | $228 | $40 |
| Dining Out | $120 | $137 | $17 |
| Transportation | $33 | $63 | $30 |
| Utilities | $76 | $69 | +$7 |
| Other / Misc | $141 | $131 | +$10 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$1,500
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$927
per month
Only $927/mo in Stockholm 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 Stockholm on $1,500/month?
In Stockholm, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $872 rent, $228 groceries, $137 dining.
Is New York or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in New York worth in Stockholm?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$927/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.