Brussels vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Gothenburg is ~33% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Brussels
Belgium
COL+Rent
54.9
Rent Index
35.6
Groceries
63.8
Restaurant
63.7
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brussels | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,575 | $819 | +$756 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,188 | $644 | +$544 |
| Groceries | $358 | $271 | +$87 |
| Restaurant Meal | $20 | $14 | +$6 |
| Transit Pass | $50 | $75 | $25 |
| Utilities | $233 | $82 | +$151 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brussels | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,802/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $2,516/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,124/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brussels | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,011/mo | -$489 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,348/mo | -$652 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,022/mo | -$978 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Brussels vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Gothenburg is approximately 33% more affordable than Brussels when combining rent and daily living costs. Brussels's COL+Rent Index of 54.9 vs Gothenburg's 37 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Brussels costs $1,575/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — giving Gothenburg a $756/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $9,072 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Brussels ($358/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Gothenburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $20 vs $14 show Gothenburg offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Gothenburg offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,457 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.