City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Brussels vs Wellington — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brussels.
Wellington
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,678 | $1,661 | +$17 |
| Groceries | $435 | $505 | $70 |
| Dining Out | $292 | $270 | +$22 |
| Transportation | $61 | $139 | $78 |
| Utilities | $283 | $176 | +$107 |
| Other / Misc | $251 | $249 | +$2 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$3,000
per month
Wellington equivalent
$2,781
per month
Only $2,781/mo in Wellington matches $3,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $3,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$1,678 to rent, $435 to groceries, $292 to dining.
Can I live in Wellington on $3,000/month?
In Wellington, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,661 rent, $505 groceries, $270 dining.
Is Brussels or Wellington cheaper?
Wellington is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Brussels worth in Wellington?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$2,781/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.