City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Stockholm vs Seoul — 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.
Seoul
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Seoul.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Seoul | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $872 | $673 | +$199 |
| Groceries | $228 | $452 | $224 |
| Dining Out | $137 | $111 | +$26 |
| Transportation | $63 | $42 | +$21 |
| Utilities | $69 | $120 | $51 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $102 | +$29 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,500
per month
Seoul equivalent
$1,456
per month
Only $1,456/mo in Seoul 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 Seoul on $1,500/month?
In Seoul, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $673 rent, $452 groceries, $111 dining.
Is Stockholm or Seoul cheaper?
Seoul is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Seoul 49.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Stockholm worth in Seoul?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$1,456/mo in Seoul using COL adjustment.