City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $839 | $107 |
| Groceries | $249 | $217 | +$32 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $146 | +$45 |
| Transportation | $66 | $30 | +$36 |
| Utilities | $152 | $142 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $126 | $16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$2,043
per month
You'd need $2,043/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Edinburgh.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Edinburgh on $1,500/month?
Living in Edinburgh on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$732 to rent, $249 to groceries, $191 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 Edinburgh or Brussels cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$2,043/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.