City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $763 | $38 |
| Groceries | $316 | $283 | +$33 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $175 | $68 |
| Transportation | $63 | $78 | $15 |
| Utilities | $180 | $86 | +$94 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $115 | $6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,337
per month
Only $1,337/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Tokyo — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $1,500/month?
Living in Tokyo on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $316 to groceries, $107 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $763 rent, $283 groceries, $175 dining.
Is Tokyo or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,337/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.