City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Calgary vs Brussels — 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.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Calgary | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $857 | $839 | +$18 |
| Groceries | $228 | $217 | +$11 |
| Dining Out | $147 | $146 | +$1 |
| Transportation | $51 | $30 | +$21 |
| Utilities | $88 | $142 | $54 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $126 | +$3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Calgary
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,726
per month
You'd need $1,726/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Calgary.
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 Brussels on $1,500/month?
In Brussels, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $839 rent, $217 groceries, $146 dining.
Is Calgary or Brussels cheaper?
Calgary is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Calgary 47.7 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Calgary worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Calgary equals ~$1,726/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.