City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Milan vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Milan | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $861 | $839 | +$22 |
| Groceries | $209 | $217 | $8 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $146 | $4 |
| Transportation | $24 | $30 | $6 |
| Utilities | $135 | $142 | $7 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $126 | +$3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Milan
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,445
per month
Only $1,445/mo in Brussels matches $1,500/mo in Milan — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Milan on $1,500/month?
Living in Milan on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$861 to rent, $209 to groceries, $142 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 Milan or Brussels cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Milan 57 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Milan worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Milan equals ~$1,445/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.