City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $754 | +$85 |
| Groceries | $217 | $291 | $74 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $174 | $28 |
| Transportation | $30 | $79 | $49 |
| Utilities | $142 | $88 | +$54 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $114 | +$12 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$959
per month
Only $959/mo in Malmö 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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Brussels or Malmö cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$959/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.