City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Dublin — 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.
Dublin
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 77.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Dublin.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Dublin | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $984 | $145 |
| Groceries | $217 | $148 | +$69 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $101 | +$45 |
| Transportation | $30 | $40 | $10 |
| Utilities | $142 | $79 | +$63 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $148 | $22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Dublin equivalent
$2,117
per month
You'd need $2,117/mo in Dublin 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 Dublin on $1,500/month?
In Dublin, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $984 rent, $148 groceries, $101 dining.
Is Brussels or Dublin cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Dublin 77.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Dublin?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$2,117/mo in Dublin using COL adjustment.