Brussels
New York

Brussels vs New York — Cost of Living Comparison

Brussels
Belgium
VS
New York
United States
Estimated average living costs are ~115% lower in Brussels

Brussels

$1,950

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,209,000

Safety

60/100

Quality

72/100

Cost
68
Safety
60
Life
72

New York

$4,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,336,817

Safety

55/100

Quality

62/100

Cost
100
Safety
55
Life
62

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~115% lower in Brussels

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Brussels

$1,950

estimated per month

New York

$4,200

estimated per month

Difference

+115.4%

Monthly savings

$2,250

Yearly savings

$27,000

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$161,538

+$86,538/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBrusselsNew YorkDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$950.00$3,450.00
+263.2%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$700.00$2,200.00
+214.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,750.00$6,500.00
+271.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,250.00$3,800.00
+204.0%
ItemBrusselsNew YorkDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$16.00$25.00
+56.3%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$65.00$110.00
+69.2%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.00$12.00
+20.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.10$1.45
+31.8%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.00$4.20
+110.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.00$5.50
+175.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$3.60$4.80
+33.3%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$9.50$14.50
+52.6%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.30$6.20
+169.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80$2.10
+16.7%
ItemBrusselsNew YorkDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$55.00$132.00
+140.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.50$2.90
+16.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.00$3.50
+16.7%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$2.00$2.20
+10.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.85$1.05
-43.2%
ItemBrusselsNew YorkDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$170.00$190.00
+11.8%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$25.00$55.00
+120.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$40.00$68.00
+70.0%
ItemBrusselsNew YorkDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$28.00$250.00
+792.9%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$55.00$200.00
+263.6%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$12.00$55.00
+358.3%
ItemBrusselsNew YorkDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$40.00$95.00
+137.5%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$12.00$18.00
+50.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.50$5.50
+57.1%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$5.50$9.00
+63.6%
ItemBrusselsNew YorkDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$82.00$55.00
-32.9%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$35.00$42.00
+20.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$90.00$95.00
+5.6%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Brussels vs New York

Is Brussels or New York more expensive?
New York is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 100 compared with 68 for Brussels.
How much cheaper is Brussels than New York?
Living in Brussels is around 32% cheaper than New York, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Brussels and New York?
Brussels scores 68 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while New York scores 100 — where New York City equals 100.