City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Chennai — 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.
Chennai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chennai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Chennai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $742 | +$97 |
| Groceries | $217 | $317 | $100 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $196 | $50 |
| Transportation | $30 | $36 | $6 |
| Utilities | $142 | $98 | +$44 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $111 | +$15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Chennai equivalent
$495
per month
Only $495/mo in Chennai 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 Chennai on $1,500/month?
In Chennai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $742 rent, $317 groceries, $196 dining.
Is Brussels or Chennai cheaper?
Chennai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Chennai 18.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Chennai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$495/mo in Chennai using COL adjustment.