City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Berlin vs Brasília — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Berlin
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Berlin.
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Berlin | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $729 | $568 | +$161 |
| Groceries | $250 | $427 | $177 |
| Dining Out | $164 | $221 | $57 |
| Transportation | $48 | $88 | $40 |
| Utilities | $199 | $111 | +$88 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $85 | +$25 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Berlin
$1,500
per month
Brasília equivalent
$613
per month
Only $613/mo in Brasília matches $1,500/mo in Berlin — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Berlin on $1,500/month?
Living in Berlin on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$729 to rent, $250 to groceries, $164 to dining.
Can I live in Brasília on $1,500/month?
In Brasília, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $568 rent, $427 groceries, $221 dining.
Is Berlin or Brasília cheaper?
Brasília is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Berlin 43.8 vs Brasília 17.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Berlin worth in Brasília?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Berlin equals ~$613/mo in Brasília using COL adjustment.