City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $754 | +$78 |
| Groceries | $226 | $291 | $65 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $174 | $26 |
| Transportation | $25 | $79 | $54 |
| Utilities | $145 | $88 | +$57 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $114 | +$10 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$1,083
per month
Only $1,083/mo in Malmö 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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Rome or Malmö cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,083/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.