City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Edinburgh vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Edinburgh
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Edinburgh.
Brussels
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,464 | $1,678 | $214 |
| Groceries | $498 | $435 | +$63 |
| Dining Out | $382 | $292 | +$90 |
| Transportation | $132 | $61 | +$71 |
| Utilities | $304 | $283 | +$21 |
| Other / Misc | $220 | $251 | $31 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$3,000
per month
Brussels equivalent
$4,087
per month
You'd need $4,087/mo in Brussels to match $3,000/mo in Edinburgh.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Edinburgh on $3,000/month?
Living in Edinburgh on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,464 to rent, $498 to groceries, $382 to dining.
Can I live in Brussels on $3,000/month?
In Brussels, $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $1,678 rent, $435 groceries, $292 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Brussels cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Edinburgh worth in Brussels?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$4,087/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.