City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Mexico City — 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.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $841 | $2 |
| Groceries | $217 | $279 | $62 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $159 | $13 |
| Transportation | $30 | $29 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $142 | $65 | +$77 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $127 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$951
per month
Only $951/mo in Mexico City 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 Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Brussels or Mexico City cheaper?
Mexico City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$951/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.