City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Lisbon — 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.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $892 | $53 |
| Groceries | $217 | $208 | +$9 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $135 | +$11 |
| Transportation | $30 | $34 | $4 |
| Utilities | $142 | $98 | +$44 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $133 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,197
per month
Only $1,197/mo in Lisbon 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 Lisbon on $1,500/month?
In Lisbon, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $892 rent, $208 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Brussels or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,197/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.