City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Berlin vs Brussels — 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.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Berlin | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $729 | $839 | $110 |
| Groceries | $250 | $217 | +$33 |
| Dining Out | $164 | $146 | +$18 |
| Transportation | $48 | $30 | +$18 |
| Utilities | $199 | $142 | +$57 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $126 | $16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Berlin
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,880
per month
You'd need $1,880/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Berlin.
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 Brussels on $1,500/month?
In Brussels, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $839 rent, $217 groceries, $146 dining.
Is Berlin or Brussels cheaper?
Berlin is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Berlin 43.8 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Berlin worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Berlin equals ~$1,880/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.