City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Stockholm vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Stockholm
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo barely covers basics in Stockholm.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,162 | $743 | +$419 |
| Groceries | $304 | $689 | $385 |
| Dining Out | $183 | $177 | +$6 |
| Transportation | $84 | $77 | +$7 |
| Utilities | $92 | $203 | $111 |
| Other / Misc | $175 | $111 | +$64 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$2,000
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$678
per month
Only $678/mo in Chiang Mai matches $2,000/mo in Stockholm — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Stockholm on $2,000/month?
Living in Stockholm on $2,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,162 to rent, $304 to groceries, $183 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $2,000/month?
In Chiang Mai, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $743 rent, $689 groceries, $177 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 $2,000/mo in Stockholm worth in Chiang Mai?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$678/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.