City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rotterdam vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rotterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 47 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rotterdam.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rotterdam | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $849 | $763 | +$86 |
| Groceries | $206 | $283 | $77 |
| Dining Out | $141 | $175 | $34 |
| Transportation | $60 | $78 | $18 |
| Utilities | $116 | $86 | +$30 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $115 | +$13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rotterdam
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,181
per month
Only $1,181/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Rotterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rotterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Rotterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$849 to rent, $206 to groceries, $141 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 Rotterdam or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rotterdam 47 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rotterdam worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rotterdam equals ~$1,181/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.