City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $839 | $230 |
| Groceries | $461 | $217 | +$244 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $146 | $2 |
| Transportation | $22 | $30 | $8 |
| Utilities | $172 | $142 | +$30 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $126 | $34 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$3,778
per month
You'd need $3,778/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Manila.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Manila on $1,500/month?
Living in Manila on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$609 to rent, $461 to groceries, $144 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 Manila or Brussels cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$3,778/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.