City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chennai vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chennai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chennai.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chennai | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $742 | $839 | $97 |
| Groceries | $317 | $217 | +$100 |
| Dining Out | $196 | $146 | +$50 |
| Transportation | $36 | $30 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $98 | $142 | $44 |
| Other / Misc | $111 | $126 | $15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chennai
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$4,550
per month
You'd need $4,550/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Chennai.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chennai on $1,500/month?
Living in Chennai on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$742 to rent, $317 to groceries, $196 to dining.
Can I live in Brussels on $1,500/month?
In Brussels, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $839 rent, $217 groceries, $146 dining.
Is Chennai or Brussels cheaper?
Chennai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chennai 18.1 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chennai worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chennai equals ~$4,550/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.