City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Seattle vs Stockholm — 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.
Stockholm
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seattle | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,865 | $1,743 | +$122 |
| Groceries | $386 | $457 | $71 |
| Dining Out | $246 | $275 | $29 |
| Transportation | $68 | $125 | $57 |
| Utilities | $156 | $139 | +$17 |
| Other / Misc | $279 | $261 | +$18 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seattle
$3,000
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$2,260
per month
Only $2,260/mo in Stockholm 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 Stockholm on $3,000/month?
In Stockholm, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,743 rent, $457 groceries, $275 dining.
Is Seattle or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seattle 67.7 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Seattle worth in Stockholm?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Seattle equals ~$2,260/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.