City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Surabaya — 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.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $656 | +$183 |
| Groceries | $217 | $515 | $298 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $81 | +$65 |
| Transportation | $30 | $31 | $1 |
| Utilities | $142 | $119 | +$23 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $98 | +$28 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$377
per month
Only $377/mo in Surabaya 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 Surabaya on $1,500/month?
In Surabaya, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $656 rent, $515 groceries, $81 dining.
Is Brussels or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$377/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.