City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Stockholm vs Chicago — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Stockholm
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $581 | $599 | $18 |
| Groceries | $152 | $141 | +$11 |
| Dining Out | $92 | $89 | +$3 |
| Transportation | $42 | $25 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $46 | $57 | $11 |
| Other / Misc | $87 | $89 | $2 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,000
per month
Chicago equivalent
$1,120
per month
You'd need $1,120/mo in Chicago to match $1,000/mo in Stockholm.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Stockholm on $1,000/month?
Living in Stockholm on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$581 to rent, $152 to groceries, $92 to dining.
Can I live in Chicago on $1,000/month?
In Chicago, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $599 rent, $141 groceries, $89 dining.
Is Stockholm or Chicago cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Stockholm worth in Chicago?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$1,120/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.