City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Thessaloniki — 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.
Thessaloniki
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Thessaloniki.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Thessaloniki | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $475 | +$364 |
| Groceries | $217 | $403 | $186 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $306 | $160 |
| Transportation | $30 | $39 | $9 |
| Utilities | $142 | $206 | $64 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $71 | +$55 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Thessaloniki equivalent
$754
per month
Only $754/mo in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki on $1,500/month?
In Thessaloniki, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $475 rent, $403 groceries, $306 dining.
Is Brussels or Thessaloniki cheaper?
Thessaloniki is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Thessaloniki 27.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Thessaloniki?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$754/mo in Thessaloniki using COL adjustment.