City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $763 | +$76 |
| Groceries | $217 | $283 | $66 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $175 | $29 |
| Transportation | $30 | $78 | $48 |
| Utilities | $142 | $86 | +$56 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $115 | +$11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,011
per month
Only $1,011/mo in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $763 rent, $283 groceries, $175 dining.
Is Brussels or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,011/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.