City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Wellington — 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.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $830 | +$9 |
| Groceries | $217 | $253 | $36 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $135 | +$11 |
| Transportation | $30 | $69 | $39 |
| Utilities | $142 | $88 | +$54 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $125 | +$1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$1,391
per month
Only $1,391/mo in Wellington 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 Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Brussels or Wellington cheaper?
Wellington is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,391/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.