City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Berlin — 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.
Berlin
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Berlin.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Berlin | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $729 | +$110 |
| Groceries | $217 | $250 | $33 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $164 | $18 |
| Transportation | $30 | $48 | $18 |
| Utilities | $142 | $199 | $57 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $110 | +$16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Berlin equivalent
$1,197
per month
Only $1,197/mo in Berlin 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 Berlin on $1,500/month?
In Berlin, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $729 rent, $250 groceries, $164 dining.
Is Brussels or Berlin cheaper?
Berlin is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Berlin 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Berlin?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,197/mo in Berlin using COL adjustment.