City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Dublin vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Dublin
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 77.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Dublin.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Dublin | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $984 | $839 | +$145 |
| Groceries | $148 | $217 | $69 |
| Dining Out | $101 | $146 | $45 |
| Transportation | $40 | $30 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $79 | $142 | $63 |
| Other / Misc | $148 | $126 | +$22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Dublin
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,063
per month
Only $1,063/mo in Brussels matches $1,500/mo in Dublin — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Dublin on $1,500/month?
Living in Dublin on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$984 to rent, $148 to groceries, $101 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 Dublin or Brussels cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Dublin 77.5 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Dublin worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Dublin equals ~$1,063/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.