City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rio de Janeiro vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rio de Janeiro
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Rio de Janeiro.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rio de Janeiro | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $637 | $763 | $126 |
| Groceries | $392 | $283 | +$109 |
| Dining Out | $194 | $175 | +$19 |
| Transportation | $79 | $78 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $103 | $86 | +$17 |
| Other / Misc | $95 | $115 | $20 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rio de Janeiro
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$2,511
per month
You'd need $2,511/mo in Gothenburg to match $1,500/mo in Rio de Janeiro.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rio de Janeiro on $1,500/month?
Living in Rio de Janeiro on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$637 to rent, $392 to groceries, $194 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 Rio de Janeiro or Gothenburg cheaper?
Rio de Janeiro is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rio de Janeiro 22.1 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rio de Janeiro worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rio de Janeiro equals ~$2,511/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.