City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Bergen — 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.
Bergen
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Bergen.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Bergen | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $727 | +$112 |
| Groceries | $217 | $328 | $111 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $179 | $33 |
| Transportation | $30 | $51 | $21 |
| Utilities | $142 | $106 | +$36 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $109 | +$17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Bergen equivalent
$1,380
per month
Only $1,380/mo in Bergen matches $1,500/mo in Brussels — better value.
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 Bergen on $1,500/month?
In Bergen, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $727 rent, $328 groceries, $179 dining.
Is Brussels or Bergen cheaper?
Bergen is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Bergen 50.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Bergen?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,380/mo in Bergen using COL adjustment.