City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Mexico City vs Antwerp — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mexico City | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $841 | $767 | +$74 |
| Groceries | $279 | $249 | +$30 |
| Dining Out | $159 | $173 | $14 |
| Transportation | $29 | $35 | $6 |
| Utilities | $65 | $162 | $97 |
| Other / Misc | $127 | $114 | +$13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mexico City
$1,500
per month
Antwerp equivalent
$1,819
per month
You'd need $1,819/mo in Antwerp to match $1,500/mo in Mexico City.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Mexico City on $1,500/month?
Living in Mexico City on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$841 to rent, $279 to groceries, $159 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 Mexico City or Antwerp cheaper?
Mexico City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mexico City 34.8 vs Antwerp 42.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Mexico City worth in Antwerp?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Mexico City equals ~$1,819/mo in Antwerp using COL adjustment.