City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Rome — 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.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $832 | +$7 |
| Groceries | $217 | $226 | $9 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $148 | $2 |
| Transportation | $30 | $25 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $142 | $145 | $3 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $124 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$1,328
per month
Only $1,328/mo in Rome 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 Rome on $1,500/month?
In Rome, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $832 rent, $226 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Brussels or Rome cheaper?
Rome is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,328/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.