City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Milan — 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.
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Milan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $861 | $22 |
| Groceries | $217 | $209 | +$8 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $142 | +$4 |
| Transportation | $30 | $24 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $142 | $135 | +$7 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $129 | $3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Milan equivalent
$1,557
per month
You'd need $1,557/mo in Milan to match $1,500/mo in Brussels.
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 Milan on $1,500/month?
In Milan, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $861 rent, $209 groceries, $142 dining.
Is Brussels or Milan cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Milan 57 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Milan?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,557/mo in Milan using COL adjustment.