City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Antwerp vs Mexico City — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Antwerp | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $767 | $841 | $74 |
| Groceries | $249 | $279 | $30 |
| Dining Out | $173 | $159 | +$14 |
| Transportation | $35 | $29 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $162 | $65 | +$97 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $127 | $13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Antwerp
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$1,237
per month
Only $1,237/mo in Mexico City matches $1,500/mo in Antwerp — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Antwerp on $1,500/month?
Living in Antwerp on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$767 to rent, $249 to groceries, $173 to dining.
Can I live in Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Antwerp or Mexico City cheaper?
Mexico City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Antwerp 42.2 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Antwerp worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Antwerp equals ~$1,237/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.