City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Antwerp vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Antwerp | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $767 | $754 | +$13 |
| Groceries | $249 | $291 | $42 |
| Dining Out | $173 | $174 | $1 |
| Transportation | $35 | $79 | $44 |
| Utilities | $162 | $88 | +$74 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $114 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Antwerp
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$1,248
per month
Only $1,248/mo in Malmö matches $1,500/mo in Antwerp — better value.
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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Antwerp or Malmö cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Antwerp 42.2 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Antwerp worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Antwerp equals ~$1,248/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.