City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
New York vs Stockholm — 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.
Stockholm
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $3,141 | $2,905 | +$236 |
| Groceries | $626 | $761 | $135 |
| Dining Out | $398 | $458 | $60 |
| Transportation | $110 | $209 | $99 |
| Utilities | $253 | $231 | +$22 |
| Other / Misc | $472 | $436 | +$36 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$5,000
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$3,091
per month
Only $3,091/mo in Stockholm 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 Stockholm on $5,000/month?
In Stockholm, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,905 rent, $761 groceries, $458 dining.
Is New York or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in New York worth in Stockholm?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$3,091/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.