City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $942 | $103 |
| Groceries | $217 | $188 | +$29 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $120 | +$26 |
| Transportation | $30 | $33 | $3 |
| Utilities | $142 | $76 | +$66 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $141 | $15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$2,254
per month
You'd need $2,254/mo in New York 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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Brussels or New York cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$2,254/mo in New York using COL adjustment.