City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Phuket vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Phuket | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $633 | $763 | $130 |
| Groceries | $479 | $283 | +$196 |
| Dining Out | $100 | $175 | $75 |
| Transportation | $52 | $78 | $26 |
| Utilities | $140 | $86 | +$54 |
| Other / Misc | $96 | $115 | $19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Phuket
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$2,511
per month
You'd need $2,511/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Phuket.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Phuket on $1,500/month?
Living in Phuket on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$633 to rent, $479 to groceries, $100 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 Phuket or Gothenburg cheaper?
Phuket is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Phuket 22.1 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Phuket worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Phuket equals ~$2,511/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.