City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Seattle vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Seattle
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 67.7 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Seattle.
Gothenburg
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seattle | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $622 | $509 | +$113 |
| Groceries | $129 | $189 | $60 |
| Dining Out | $82 | $117 | $35 |
| Transportation | $23 | $52 | $29 |
| Utilities | $52 | $57 | $5 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $76 | +$16 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seattle
$1,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$547
per month
Only $547/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,000/mo in Seattle — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Seattle on $1,000/month?
Living in Seattle on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$622 to rent, $129 to groceries, $82 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,000/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $509 rent, $189 groceries, $117 dining.
Is Seattle or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seattle 67.7 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Seattle worth in Gothenburg?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Seattle equals ~$547/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.