City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Madrid — 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.
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Madrid | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $856 | $17 |
| Groceries | $217 | $226 | $9 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $155 | $9 |
| Transportation | $30 | $28 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $142 | $107 | +$35 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $128 | $2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Madrid equivalent
$1,161
per month
Only $1,161/mo in Madrid 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 Madrid on $1,500/month?
In Madrid, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $856 rent, $226 groceries, $155 dining.
Is Brussels or Madrid cheaper?
Madrid is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Madrid 42.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Madrid?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,161/mo in Madrid using COL adjustment.