City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Stockholm vs Chicago — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Stockholm
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Stockholm.
Chicago
Moderate
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,743 | $1,798 | $55 |
| Groceries | $457 | $422 | +$35 |
| Dining Out | $275 | $266 | +$9 |
| Transportation | $125 | $74 | +$51 |
| Utilities | $139 | $171 | $32 |
| Other / Misc | $261 | $269 | $8 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$3,000
per month
Chicago equivalent
$3,359
per month
You'd need $3,359/mo in Chicago to match $3,000/mo in Stockholm.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Stockholm on $3,000/month?
Living in Stockholm on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,743 to rent, $457 to groceries, $275 to dining.
Can I live in Chicago on $3,000/month?
In Chicago, $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $1,798 rent, $422 groceries, $266 dining.
Is Stockholm or Chicago cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Stockholm worth in Chicago?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$3,359/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.