City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bangkok vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Bangkok
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 33.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bangkok.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bangkok | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $839 | $114 |
| Groceries | $409 | $217 | +$192 |
| Dining Out | $93 | $146 | $53 |
| Transportation | $45 | $30 | +$15 |
| Utilities | $120 | $142 | $22 |
| Other / Misc | $108 | $126 | $18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bangkok
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$2,473
per month
You'd need $2,473/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Bangkok.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Bangkok on $1,500/month?
Living in Bangkok on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $409 to groceries, $93 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 Bangkok or Brussels cheaper?
Bangkok is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bangkok 33.3 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bangkok worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bangkok equals ~$2,473/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.