City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Amsterdam — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Amsterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $930 | $91 |
| Groceries | $217 | $168 | +$49 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $119 | +$27 |
| Transportation | $30 | $49 | $19 |
| Utilities | $142 | $94 | +$48 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $140 | $14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Amsterdam equivalent
$1,790
per month
You'd need $1,790/mo in Amsterdam to match $1,500/mo in Brussels.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $1,500/month?
Living in Brussels on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$839 to rent, $217 to groceries, $146 to dining.
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
In Amsterdam, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $930 rent, $168 groceries, $119 dining.
Is Brussels or Amsterdam cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Amsterdam 65.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Amsterdam?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,790/mo in Amsterdam using COL adjustment.