City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Stockholm vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $872 | $633 | +$239 |
| Groceries | $228 | $479 | $251 |
| Dining Out | $137 | $100 | +$37 |
| Transportation | $63 | $52 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $69 | $140 | $71 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $96 | +$35 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$650
per month
Only $650/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Stockholm or Phuket cheaper?
Phuket is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Stockholm worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$650/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.