City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Antwerp vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Antwerp | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $767 | $839 | $72 |
| Groceries | $249 | $217 | +$32 |
| Dining Out | $173 | $146 | +$27 |
| Transportation | $35 | $30 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $162 | $142 | +$20 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $126 | $12 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Antwerp
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,951
per month
You'd need $1,951/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Antwerp.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Antwerp on $1,500/month?
Living in Antwerp on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$767 to rent, $249 to groceries, $173 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 Antwerp or Brussels cheaper?
Antwerp is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Antwerp 42.2 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Antwerp worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Antwerp equals ~$1,951/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.