City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Chiang Mai — 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.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $557 | +$282 |
| Groceries | $217 | $517 | $300 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $133 | +$13 |
| Transportation | $30 | $58 | $28 |
| Utilities | $142 | $152 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $83 | +$43 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$473
per month
Only $473/mo in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Brussels or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$473/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.