City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brussels vs Vienna — 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.
Vienna
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 55.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Vienna.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Vienna | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $839 | $760 | +$79 |
| Groceries | $217 | $301 | $84 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $148 | $2 |
| Transportation | $30 | $38 | $8 |
| Utilities | $142 | $138 | +$4 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $115 | +$11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$1,500
per month
Vienna equivalent
$1,511
per month
You'd need $1,511/mo in Vienna 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 Vienna on $1,500/month?
In Vienna, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $760 rent, $301 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Brussels or Vienna cheaper?
Both cities are similarly priced. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Vienna 55.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brussels worth in Vienna?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$1,511/mo in Vienna using COL adjustment.