City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Florence vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Florence
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 45.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Florence.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Florence | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $821 | $839 | $18 |
| Groceries | $231 | $217 | +$14 |
| Dining Out | $151 | $146 | +$5 |
| Transportation | $26 | $30 | $4 |
| Utilities | $148 | $142 | +$6 |
| Other / Misc | $123 | $126 | $3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Florence
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,818
per month
You'd need $1,818/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Florence.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Florence on $1,500/month?
Living in Florence on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$821 to rent, $231 to groceries, $151 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 Florence or Brussels cheaper?
Florence is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Florence 45.3 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Florence worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Florence equals ~$1,818/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.