City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Brussels vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo barely covers basics in Brussels.
Gothenburg
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,119 | $1,018 | +$101 |
| Groceries | $290 | $377 | $87 |
| Dining Out | $194 | $234 | $40 |
| Transportation | $40 | $104 | $64 |
| Utilities | $189 | $114 | +$75 |
| Other / Misc | $168 | $153 | +$15 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$2,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,348
per month
Only $1,348/mo in Gothenburg matches $2,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $2,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $2,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,119 to rent, $290 to groceries, $194 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $2,000/month?
In Gothenburg, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,018 rent, $377 groceries, $234 dining.
Is Brussels or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Brussels worth in Gothenburg?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,348/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.