City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Melbourne vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Melbourne
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 61.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Melbourne.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Melbourne | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $888 | $839 | +$49 |
| Groceries | $216 | $217 | $1 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $146 | $11 |
| Transportation | $51 | $30 | +$21 |
| Utilities | $77 | $142 | $65 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $126 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Melbourne
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,330
per month
Only $1,330/mo in Brussels matches $1,500/mo in Melbourne — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Melbourne on $1,500/month?
Living in Melbourne on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$888 to rent, $216 to groceries, $135 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 Melbourne or Brussels cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Melbourne 61.9 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Melbourne worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Melbourne equals ~$1,330/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.