City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $763 | +$69 |
| Groceries | $226 | $283 | $57 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $175 | $27 |
| Transportation | $25 | $78 | $53 |
| Utilities | $145 | $86 | +$59 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $115 | +$9 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,142
per month
Only $1,142/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 to groceries, $148 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 Rome or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,142/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.