City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Calgary vs Antwerp — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Calgary
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 47.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Calgary.
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Calgary | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $857 | $767 | +$90 |
| Groceries | $228 | $249 | $21 |
| Dining Out | $147 | $173 | $26 |
| Transportation | $51 | $35 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $88 | $162 | $74 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $114 | +$15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Calgary
$1,500
per month
Antwerp equivalent
$1,327
per month
Only $1,327/mo in Antwerp matches $1,500/mo in Calgary — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Calgary on $1,500/month?
Living in Calgary on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$857 to rent, $228 to groceries, $147 to dining.
Can I live in Antwerp on $1,500/month?
In Antwerp, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $767 rent, $249 groceries, $173 dining.
Is Calgary or Antwerp cheaper?
Antwerp is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Calgary 47.7 vs Antwerp 42.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Calgary worth in Antwerp?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Calgary equals ~$1,327/mo in Antwerp using COL adjustment.