City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Antwerp — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $767 | +$89 |
| Groceries | $226 | $249 | $23 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $173 | $18 |
| Transportation | $28 | $35 | $7 |
| Utilities | $107 | $162 | $55 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $114 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Antwerp equivalent
$1,489
per month
Only $1,489/mo in Antwerp matches $1,500/mo in Madrid — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Madrid on $1,500/month?
Living in Madrid on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $226 to groceries, $155 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 Madrid or Antwerp cheaper?
Both cities are similarly priced. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Antwerp 42.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Antwerp?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$1,489/mo in Antwerp using COL adjustment.