City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Florence — 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.
Florence
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 45.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Florence.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Florence | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $821 | +$18 |
| Groceries | $217 | $231 | $14 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $151 | $5 |
| Transportation | $30 | $26 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $142 | $148 | $6 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $123 | +$3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Florence equivalent
$1,238
per month
Only $1,238/mo in Florence 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 Florence on $1,500/month?
In Florence, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $821 rent, $231 groceries, $151 dining.
Is Brussels or Florence cheaper?
Florence is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Florence 45.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Florence?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,238/mo in Florence using COL adjustment.