City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $839 | $76 |
| Groceries | $283 | $217 | +$66 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $146 | +$29 |
| Transportation | $78 | $30 | +$48 |
| Utilities | $86 | $142 | $56 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $126 | $11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$2,226
per month
You'd need $2,226/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Gothenburg.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
Living in Gothenburg on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$763 to rent, $283 to groceries, $175 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 Gothenburg or Brussels cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$2,226/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.