City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Medellín — 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.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $617 | +$222 |
| Groceries | $217 | $445 | $228 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $189 | $43 |
| Transportation | $30 | $61 | $31 |
| Utilities | $142 | $97 | +$45 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $91 | +$35 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$522
per month
Only $522/mo in Medellín 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 Medellín on $1,500/month?
In Medellín, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $617 rent, $445 groceries, $189 dining.
Is Brussels or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$522/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.