City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Wellington vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Wellington | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $830 | $839 | $9 |
| Groceries | $253 | $217 | +$36 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $146 | $11 |
| Transportation | $69 | $30 | +$39 |
| Utilities | $88 | $142 | $54 |
| Other / Misc | $125 | $126 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Wellington
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,618
per month
You'd need $1,618/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Wellington.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Wellington on $1,500/month?
Living in Wellington on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$830 to rent, $253 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 Wellington or Brussels cheaper?
Wellington is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Wellington 50.9 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Wellington worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Wellington equals ~$1,618/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.