City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Graz — 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.
Graz
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 39.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Graz.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $680 | +$159 |
| Groceries | $217 | $347 | $130 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $169 | $23 |
| Transportation | $30 | $44 | $14 |
| Utilities | $142 | $159 | $17 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $101 | +$25 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Graz equivalent
$1,077
per month
Only $1,077/mo in Graz 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 Graz on $1,500/month?
In Graz, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $680 rent, $347 groceries, $169 dining.
Is Brussels or Graz cheaper?
Graz is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Graz 39.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Graz?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,077/mo in Graz using COL adjustment.