City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Brussels vs Gothenburg — 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)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Gothenburg
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $559 | $509 | +$50 |
| Groceries | $145 | $189 | $44 |
| Dining Out | $97 | $117 | $20 |
| Transportation | $20 | $52 | $32 |
| Utilities | $94 | $57 | +$37 |
| Other / Misc | $85 | $76 | +$9 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$674
per month
Only $674/mo in Gothenburg matches $1,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $1,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$559 to rent, $145 to groceries, $97 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,000/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $509 rent, $189 groceries, $117 dining.
Is Brussels or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Brussels worth in Gothenburg?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$674/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.