City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
Stockholm vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Stockholm
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Stockholm.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,905 | $1,856 | +$1,049 |
| Groceries | $761 | $1,723 | $962 |
| Dining Out | $458 | $442 | +$16 |
| Transportation | $209 | $193 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $231 | $507 | $276 |
| Other / Misc | $436 | $279 | +$157 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$5,000
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$1,696
per month
Only $1,696/mo in Chiang Mai matches $5,000/mo in Stockholm — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Stockholm on $5,000/month?
Living in Stockholm on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,905 to rent, $761 to groceries, $458 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $5,000/month?
In Chiang Mai, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,856 rent, $1,723 groceries, $442 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 $5,000/mo in Stockholm worth in Chiang Mai?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$1,696/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.