City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $872 | $899 | $27 |
| Groceries | $228 | $211 | +$17 |
| Dining Out | $137 | $133 | +$4 |
| Transportation | $63 | $37 | +$26 |
| Utilities | $69 | $85 | $16 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $135 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,500
per month
Chicago equivalent
$1,679
per month
You'd need $1,679/mo in Chicago to match $1,500/mo in Stockholm.
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 Chicago on $1,500/month?
In Chicago, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $899 rent, $211 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Stockholm or Chicago cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Stockholm worth in Chicago?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$1,679/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.