City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Melbourne — 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.
Melbourne
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 61.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Melbourne.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Melbourne | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $888 | $49 |
| Groceries | $217 | $216 | +$1 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $135 | +$11 |
| Transportation | $30 | $51 | $21 |
| Utilities | $142 | $77 | +$65 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $133 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Melbourne equivalent
$1,691
per month
You'd need $1,691/mo in Melbourne to match $1,500/mo in Brussels.
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 Melbourne on $1,500/month?
In Melbourne, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $888 rent, $216 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Brussels or Melbourne cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Melbourne 61.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Melbourne?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,691/mo in Melbourne using COL adjustment.