City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Brussels vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brussels.
Edinburgh
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,678 | $1,464 | +$214 |
| Groceries | $435 | $498 | $63 |
| Dining Out | $292 | $382 | $90 |
| Transportation | $61 | $132 | $71 |
| Utilities | $283 | $304 | $21 |
| Other / Misc | $251 | $220 | +$31 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$3,000
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$2,202
per month
Only $2,202/mo in Edinburgh matches $3,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $3,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$1,678 to rent, $435 to groceries, $292 to dining.
Can I live in Edinburgh on $3,000/month?
In Edinburgh, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,464 rent, $498 groceries, $382 dining.
Is Brussels or Edinburgh cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Brussels worth in Edinburgh?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$2,202/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.