City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Stockholm vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Stockholm
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $872 | $839 | +$33 |
| Groceries | $228 | $217 | +$11 |
| Dining Out | $137 | $146 | $9 |
| Transportation | $63 | $30 | +$33 |
| Utilities | $69 | $142 | $73 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $126 | +$5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,615
per month
You'd need $1,615/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Stockholm.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Stockholm on $1,500/month?
Living in Stockholm on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$872 to rent, $228 to groceries, $137 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 Stockholm or Brussels cheaper?
Stockholm is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Stockholm worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$1,615/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.