City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $839 | +$91 |
| Groceries | $168 | $217 | $49 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $146 | $27 |
| Transportation | $49 | $30 | +$19 |
| Utilities | $94 | $142 | $48 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $126 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,257
per month
Only $1,257/mo in Brussels matches $1,500/mo in Amsterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$930 to rent, $168 to groceries, $119 to dining.
Can I live in Brussels on $1,500/month?
In Brussels, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $839 rent, $217 groceries, $146 dining.
Is Amsterdam or Brussels cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$1,257/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.