City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Seattle vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Seattle
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 67.7 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo barely covers basics in Seattle.
Gothenburg
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seattle | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,865 | $1,527 | +$338 |
| Groceries | $386 | $566 | $180 |
| Dining Out | $246 | $351 | $105 |
| Transportation | $68 | $157 | $89 |
| Utilities | $156 | $171 | $15 |
| Other / Misc | $279 | $228 | +$51 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seattle
$3,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,640
per month
Only $1,640/mo in Gothenburg matches $3,000/mo in Seattle — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Seattle on $3,000/month?
Living in Seattle on $3,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,865 to rent, $386 to groceries, $246 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $3,000/month?
In Gothenburg, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,527 rent, $566 groceries, $351 dining.
Is Seattle or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seattle 67.7 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Seattle worth in Gothenburg?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Seattle equals ~$1,640/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.