City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Wellington vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Wellington
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Wellington.
Brussels
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Wellington | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,661 | $1,678 | $17 |
| Groceries | $505 | $435 | +$70 |
| Dining Out | $270 | $292 | $22 |
| Transportation | $139 | $61 | +$78 |
| Utilities | $176 | $283 | $107 |
| Other / Misc | $249 | $251 | $2 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Wellington
$3,000
per month
Brussels equivalent
$3,236
per month
You'd need $3,236/mo in Brussels to match $3,000/mo in Wellington.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Wellington on $3,000/month?
Living in Wellington on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,661 to rent, $505 to groceries, $270 to dining.
Can I live in Brussels on $3,000/month?
In Brussels, $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $1,678 rent, $435 groceries, $292 dining.
Is Wellington or Brussels cheaper?
Wellington is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Wellington 50.9 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Wellington worth in Brussels?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Wellington equals ~$3,236/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.