City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Manila — 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.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $609 | +$230 |
| Groceries | $217 | $461 | $244 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $144 | +$2 |
| Transportation | $30 | $22 | +$8 |
| Utilities | $142 | $172 | $30 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $92 | +$34 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Manila equivalent
$596
per month
Only $596/mo in Manila 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 Manila on $1,500/month?
In Manila, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $609 rent, $461 groceries, $144 dining.
Is Brussels or Manila cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Manila?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$596/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.