City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
Brussels vs Stockholm — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brussels.
Stockholm
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Stockholm.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,797 | $2,905 | $108 |
| Groceries | $725 | $761 | $36 |
| Dining Out | $486 | $458 | +$28 |
| Transportation | $101 | $209 | $108 |
| Utilities | $472 | $231 | +$241 |
| Other / Misc | $419 | $436 | $17 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$5,000
per month
Stockholm equivalent
$4,645
per month
Only $4,645/mo in Stockholm matches $5,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $5,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,797 to rent, $725 to groceries, $486 to dining.
Can I live in Stockholm on $5,000/month?
In Stockholm, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,905 rent, $761 groceries, $458 dining.
Is Brussels or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Stockholm 51 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Brussels worth in Stockholm?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$4,645/mo in Stockholm using COL adjustment.