City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Calgary — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Calgary
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 47.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Calgary.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Calgary | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $857 | $18 |
| Groceries | $217 | $228 | $11 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $147 | $1 |
| Transportation | $30 | $51 | $21 |
| Utilities | $142 | $88 | +$54 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $129 | $3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Calgary equivalent
$1,303
per month
Only $1,303/mo in Calgary matches $1,500/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $1,500/month?
Living in Brussels on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$839 to rent, $217 to groceries, $146 to dining.
Can I live in Calgary on $1,500/month?
In Calgary, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $857 rent, $228 groceries, $147 dining.
Is Brussels or Calgary cheaper?
Calgary is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Calgary 47.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Calgary?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,303/mo in Calgary using COL adjustment.