City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Stockholm vs Manila — 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.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $872 | $609 | +$263 |
| Groceries | $228 | $461 | $233 |
| Dining Out | $137 | $144 | $7 |
| Transportation | $63 | $22 | +$41 |
| Utilities | $69 | $172 | $103 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $92 | +$39 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,500
per month
Manila equivalent
$641
per month
Only $641/mo in Manila 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 Manila on $1,500/month?
In Manila, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $609 rent, $461 groceries, $144 dining.
Is Stockholm or Manila cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Stockholm worth in Manila?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$641/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.