City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Brussels vs Stockholm — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brussels.
Stockholm
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,678 | $1,743 | $65 |
| Groceries | $435 | $457 | $22 |
| Dining Out | $292 | $275 | +$17 |
| Transportation | $61 | $125 | $64 |
| Utilities | $283 | $139 | +$144 |
| Other / Misc | $251 | $261 | $10 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$3,000
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$2,787
per month
Only $2,787/mo in Stockholm matches $3,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $3,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$1,678 to rent, $435 to groceries, $292 to dining.
Can I live in Stockholm on $3,000/month?
In Stockholm, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,743 rent, $457 groceries, $275 dining.
Is Brussels or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Brussels worth in Stockholm?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$2,787/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.