City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Stockholm vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Stockholm
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $872 | $557 | +$315 |
| Groceries | $228 | $517 | $289 |
| Dining Out | $137 | $133 | +$4 |
| Transportation | $63 | $58 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $69 | $152 | $83 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $83 | +$48 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$509
per month
Only $509/mo in Chiang Mai matches $1,500/mo in Stockholm — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Stockholm on $1,500/month?
Living in Stockholm on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$872 to rent, $228 to groceries, $137 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Stockholm or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Stockholm worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$509/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.