City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
London vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo barely covers basics in London.
Brussels
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,812 | $1,678 | +$134 |
| Groceries | $343 | $435 | $92 |
| Dining Out | $273 | $292 | $19 |
| Transportation | $92 | $61 | +$31 |
| Utilities | $209 | $283 | $74 |
| Other / Misc | $271 | $251 | +$20 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$3,000
per month
Brussels equivalent
$2,259
per month
Only $2,259/mo in Brussels matches $3,000/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $3,000/month?
Living in London on $3,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,812 to rent, $343 to groceries, $273 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 London or Brussels cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in London worth in Brussels?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$2,259/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.