City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Perth vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Perth
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 55.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Perth.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Perth | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $858 | $839 | +$19 |
| Groceries | $230 | $217 | +$13 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $146 | +$2 |
| Transportation | $54 | $30 | +$24 |
| Utilities | $82 | $142 | $60 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $126 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Perth
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,478
per month
Only $1,478/mo in Brussels matches $1,500/mo in Perth — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Perth on $1,500/month?
Living in Perth on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$858 to rent, $230 to groceries, $148 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 Perth or Brussels cheaper?
Both cities are similarly priced. COL+Rent: Perth 55.7 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Perth worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Perth equals ~$1,478/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.