City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
London vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $604 | $559 | +$45 |
| Groceries | $114 | $145 | $31 |
| Dining Out | $91 | $97 | $6 |
| Transportation | $31 | $20 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $70 | $94 | $24 |
| Other / Misc | $90 | $85 | +$5 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$1,000
per month
Brussels equivalent
$753
per month
Only $753/mo in Brussels matches $1,000/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $1,000/month?
Living in London on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$604 to rent, $114 to groceries, $91 to dining.
Can I live in Brussels on $1,000/month?
In Brussels, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $559 rent, $145 groceries, $97 dining.
Is London or Brussels cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in London worth in Brussels?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$753/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.