City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $839 | $114 |
| Groceries | $316 | $217 | +$99 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $146 | $39 |
| Transportation | $63 | $30 | +$33 |
| Utilities | $180 | $142 | +$38 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $126 | $17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,984
per month
You'd need $1,984/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Tokyo.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $1,500/month?
Living in Tokyo on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $316 to groceries, $107 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 Tokyo or Brussels cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,984/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.