City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Stockholm vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $872 | $754 | +$118 |
| Groceries | $228 | $291 | $63 |
| Dining Out | $137 | $174 | $37 |
| Transportation | $63 | $79 | $16 |
| Utilities | $69 | $88 | $19 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $114 | +$17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$1,032
per month
Only $1,032/mo in Malmö 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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Stockholm or Malmö cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Stockholm worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$1,032/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.