Rotterdam vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Gothenburg is ~21% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Rotterdam
Netherlands
COL+Rent
47
Rent Index
31
Groceries
52.3
Restaurant
53.4
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rotterdam | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,378 | $819 | +$559 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,082 | $644 | +$438 |
| Groceries | $299 | $271 | +$28 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $14 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $87 | $75 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $168 | $82 | +$86 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rotterdam | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,614/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $2,187/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,709/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rotterdam | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,181/mo | -$319 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,574/mo | -$426 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,362/mo | -$638 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Rotterdam vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Gothenburg is approximately 21% more affordable than Rotterdam when combining rent and daily living costs. Rotterdam's COL+Rent Index of 47 vs Gothenburg's 37 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Rotterdam costs $1,378/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — giving Gothenburg a $559/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,708 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Rotterdam ($299/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Gothenburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $14 show Gothenburg offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Gothenburg offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,457 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.