City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $725 | +$114 |
| Groceries | $217 | $316 | $99 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $107 | +$39 |
| Transportation | $30 | $63 | $33 |
| Utilities | $142 | $180 | $38 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $109 | +$17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,134
per month
Only $1,134/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Brussels or Tokyo cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,134/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.