City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Wellington vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Wellington | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $830 | $763 | +$67 |
| Groceries | $253 | $283 | $30 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $175 | $40 |
| Transportation | $69 | $78 | $9 |
| Utilities | $88 | $86 | +$2 |
| Other / Misc | $125 | $115 | +$10 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Wellington
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,090
per month
Only $1,090/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,500/mo in Wellington — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Wellington on $1,500/month?
Living in Wellington on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$830 to rent, $253 to groceries, $135 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 Wellington or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Wellington 50.9 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Wellington worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Wellington equals ~$1,090/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.