City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
New York vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $942 | $839 | +$103 |
| Groceries | $188 | $217 | $29 |
| Dining Out | $120 | $146 | $26 |
| Transportation | $33 | $30 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $76 | $142 | $66 |
| Other / Misc | $141 | $126 | +$15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$998
per month
Only $998/mo in Brussels matches $1,500/mo in New York — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in New York on $1,500/month?
Living in New York on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$942 to rent, $188 to groceries, $120 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 New York or Brussels cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in New York worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$998/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.