City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Antwerp vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Antwerp | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $767 | $633 | +$134 |
| Groceries | $249 | $479 | $230 |
| Dining Out | $173 | $100 | +$73 |
| Transportation | $35 | $52 | $17 |
| Utilities | $162 | $140 | +$22 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $96 | +$18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Antwerp
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$786
per month
Only $786/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Antwerp or Phuket cheaper?
Phuket is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Antwerp 42.2 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Antwerp worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Antwerp equals ~$786/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.