City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Brussels — 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.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $839 | +$17 |
| Groceries | $226 | $217 | +$9 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $146 | +$9 |
| Transportation | $28 | $30 | $2 |
| Utilities | $107 | $142 | $35 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $126 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,938
per month
You'd need $1,938/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Madrid.
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 Brussels on $1,500/month?
In Brussels, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $839 rent, $217 groceries, $146 dining.
Is Madrid or Brussels cheaper?
Madrid is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$1,938/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.