City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chiang Mai vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $839 | $282 |
| Groceries | $517 | $217 | +$300 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $146 | $13 |
| Transportation | $58 | $30 | +$28 |
| Utilities | $152 | $142 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $126 | $43 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$4,760
per month
You'd need $4,760/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
Living in Chiang Mai on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$557 to rent, $517 to groceries, $133 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 Chiang Mai or Brussels cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$4,760/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.