City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Stockholm vs Madrid — 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.
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Madrid | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $872 | $856 | +$16 |
| Groceries | $228 | $226 | +$2 |
| Dining Out | $137 | $155 | $18 |
| Transportation | $63 | $28 | +$35 |
| Utilities | $69 | $107 | $38 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $128 | +$3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,500
per month
Madrid equivalent
$1,250
per month
Only $1,250/mo in Madrid matches $1,500/mo in Stockholm — better value.
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 Madrid on $1,500/month?
In Madrid, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $856 rent, $226 groceries, $155 dining.
Is Stockholm or Madrid cheaper?
Madrid is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Madrid 42.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Stockholm worth in Madrid?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$1,250/mo in Madrid using COL adjustment.