City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Riyadh — 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.
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Riyadh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $628 | +$211 |
| Groceries | $217 | $408 | $191 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $219 | $73 |
| Transportation | $30 | $43 | $13 |
| Utilities | $142 | $108 | +$34 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $94 | +$32 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Riyadh equivalent
$855
per month
Only $855/mo in Riyadh 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 Riyadh on $1,500/month?
In Riyadh, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $628 rent, $408 groceries, $219 dining.
Is Brussels or Riyadh cheaper?
Riyadh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Riyadh 31.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Riyadh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$855/mo in Riyadh using COL adjustment.