City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Brussels vs Lyon — 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)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Lyon
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Lyon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Lyon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $559 | $496 | +$63 |
| Groceries | $145 | $189 | $44 |
| Dining Out | $97 | $112 | $15 |
| Transportation | $20 | $39 | $19 |
| Utilities | $94 | $91 | +$3 |
| Other / Misc | $85 | $73 | +$12 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,000
per month
Lyon equivalent
$734
per month
Only $734/mo in Lyon matches $1,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $1,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$559 to rent, $145 to groceries, $97 to dining.
Can I live in Lyon on $1,000/month?
In Lyon, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $496 rent, $189 groceries, $112 dining.
Is Brussels or Lyon cheaper?
Lyon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Lyon 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Brussels worth in Lyon?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$734/mo in Lyon using COL adjustment.