City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Stockholm — 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.
Stockholm
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $872 | $33 |
| Groceries | $217 | $228 | $11 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $137 | +$9 |
| Transportation | $30 | $63 | $33 |
| Utilities | $142 | $69 | +$73 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $131 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$1,393
per month
Only $1,393/mo in Stockholm 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 Stockholm on $1,500/month?
In Stockholm, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $872 rent, $228 groceries, $137 dining.
Is Brussels or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Stockholm?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,393/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.