City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Chicago — 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.
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $899 | $60 |
| Groceries | $217 | $211 | +$6 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $133 | +$13 |
| Transportation | $30 | $37 | $7 |
| Utilities | $142 | $85 | +$57 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $135 | $9 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Chicago equivalent
$1,560
per month
You'd need $1,560/mo in Chicago to match $1,500/mo in Brussels.
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 Chicago on $1,500/month?
In Chicago, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $899 rent, $211 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Brussels or Chicago cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Chicago?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,560/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.