City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Seoul vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Seoul
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Seoul.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seoul | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $673 | $763 | $90 |
| Groceries | $452 | $283 | +$169 |
| Dining Out | $111 | $175 | $64 |
| Transportation | $42 | $78 | $36 |
| Utilities | $120 | $86 | +$34 |
| Other / Misc | $102 | $115 | $13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seoul
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,121
per month
Only $1,121/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Seoul — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Seoul on $1,500/month?
Living in Seoul on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$673 to rent, $452 to groceries, $111 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 Seoul or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seoul 49.5 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Seoul worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Seoul equals ~$1,121/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.