City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Osaka vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Osaka
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 28.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Osaka.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Osaka | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $620 | $763 | $143 |
| Groceries | $377 | $283 | +$94 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $175 | $56 |
| Transportation | $76 | $78 | $2 |
| Utilities | $215 | $86 | +$129 |
| Other / Misc | $93 | $115 | $22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Osaka
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,920
per month
You'd need $1,920/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Osaka.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Osaka on $1,500/month?
Living in Osaka on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$620 to rent, $377 to groceries, $119 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 Osaka or Gothenburg cheaper?
Osaka is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Osaka 28.9 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Osaka worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Osaka equals ~$1,920/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.