City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brisbane vs Antwerp — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brisbane
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brisbane.
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brisbane | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $859 | $767 | +$92 |
| Groceries | $231 | $249 | $18 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $173 | $27 |
| Transportation | $54 | $35 | +$19 |
| Utilities | $82 | $162 | $80 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $114 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brisbane
$1,500
per month
Antwerp equivalent
$1,172
per month
Only $1,172/mo in Antwerp matches $1,500/mo in Brisbane — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brisbane on $1,500/month?
Living in Brisbane on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$859 to rent, $231 to groceries, $146 to dining.
Can I live in Antwerp on $1,500/month?
In Antwerp, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $767 rent, $249 groceries, $173 dining.
Is Brisbane or Antwerp cheaper?
Antwerp is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brisbane 54 vs Antwerp 42.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brisbane worth in Antwerp?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brisbane equals ~$1,172/mo in Antwerp using COL adjustment.