City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Seoul vs Stockholm — 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.
Stockholm
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seoul | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $673 | $872 | $199 |
| Groceries | $452 | $228 | +$224 |
| Dining Out | $111 | $137 | $26 |
| Transportation | $42 | $63 | $21 |
| Utilities | $120 | $69 | +$51 |
| Other / Misc | $102 | $131 | $29 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seoul
$1,500
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$1,545
per month
You'd need $1,545/mo in Stockholm to match $1,500/mo in Seoul.
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 Stockholm on $1,500/month?
In Stockholm, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $872 rent, $228 groceries, $137 dining.
Is Seoul or Stockholm cheaper?
Seoul is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seoul 49.5 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Seoul worth in Stockholm?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Seoul equals ~$1,545/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.