City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Medellín vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Brussels
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo barely covers basics in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $822 | $1,119 | $297 |
| Groceries | $593 | $290 | +$303 |
| Dining Out | $252 | $194 | +$58 |
| Transportation | $81 | $40 | +$41 |
| Utilities | $129 | $189 | $60 |
| Other / Misc | $123 | $168 | $45 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$2,000
per month
Brussels equivalent
$5,749
per month
You'd need $5,749/mo in Brussels to match $2,000/mo in Medellín.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $2,000/month?
Living in Medellín on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$822 to rent, $593 to groceries, $252 to dining.
Can I live in Brussels on $2,000/month?
In Brussels, $2,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $1,119 rent, $290 groceries, $194 dining.
Is Medellín or Brussels cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Medellín worth in Brussels?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$5,749/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.