City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Krakow — 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.
Krakow
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Krakow.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Krakow | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $682 | +$157 |
| Groceries | $217 | $283 | $66 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $193 | $47 |
| Transportation | $30 | $38 | $8 |
| Utilities | $142 | $202 | $60 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $102 | +$24 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Krakow equivalent
$749
per month
Only $749/mo in Krakow 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 Krakow on $1,500/month?
In Krakow, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $682 rent, $283 groceries, $193 dining.
Is Brussels or Krakow cheaper?
Krakow is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Krakow 27.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Krakow?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$749/mo in Krakow using COL adjustment.