City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bergen vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Bergen
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Bergen.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bergen | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $727 | $839 | $112 |
| Groceries | $328 | $217 | +$111 |
| Dining Out | $179 | $146 | +$33 |
| Transportation | $51 | $30 | +$21 |
| Utilities | $106 | $142 | $36 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $126 | $17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bergen
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,631
per month
You'd need $1,631/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Bergen.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Bergen on $1,500/month?
Living in Bergen on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$727 to rent, $328 to groceries, $179 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 Bergen or Brussels cheaper?
Bergen is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bergen 50.5 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bergen worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bergen equals ~$1,631/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.