City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
Brussels vs Gothenburg — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brussels.
Gothenburg
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,797 | $2,545 | +$252 |
| Groceries | $725 | $943 | $218 |
| Dining Out | $486 | $584 | $98 |
| Transportation | $101 | $261 | $160 |
| Utilities | $472 | $285 | +$187 |
| Other / Misc | $419 | $382 | +$37 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$5,000
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$3,370
per month
Only $3,370/mo in Gothenburg matches $5,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $5,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,797 to rent, $725 to groceries, $486 to dining.
Can I live in Gothenburg on $5,000/month?
In Gothenburg, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,545 rent, $943 groceries, $584 dining.
Is Brussels or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Brussels worth in Gothenburg?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$3,370/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.