City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Antwerp vs Rome — 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.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Antwerp | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $767 | $832 | $65 |
| Groceries | $249 | $226 | +$23 |
| Dining Out | $173 | $148 | +$25 |
| Transportation | $35 | $25 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $162 | $145 | +$17 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $124 | $10 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Antwerp
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$1,727
per month
You'd need $1,727/mo in Rome to match $1,500/mo in Antwerp.
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 Rome on $1,500/month?
In Rome, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $832 rent, $226 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Antwerp or Rome cheaper?
Antwerp is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Antwerp 42.2 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Antwerp worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Antwerp equals ~$1,727/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.