City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chicago vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $899 | $839 | +$60 |
| Groceries | $211 | $217 | $6 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $146 | $13 |
| Transportation | $37 | $30 | +$7 |
| Utilities | $85 | $142 | $57 |
| Other / Misc | $135 | $126 | +$9 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,442
per month
Only $1,442/mo in Brussels matches $1,500/mo in Chicago — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $1,500/month?
Living in Chicago on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$899 to rent, $211 to groceries, $133 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 Chicago or Brussels cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chicago worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$1,442/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.