City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Montreal vs Antwerp — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Montreal | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $767 | +$89 |
| Groceries | $231 | $249 | $18 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $173 | $31 |
| Transportation | $52 | $35 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $90 | $162 | $72 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $114 | +$15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Montreal
$1,500
per month
Antwerp equivalent
$1,422
per month
Only $1,422/mo in Antwerp matches $1,500/mo in Montreal — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Montreal on $1,500/month?
Living in Montreal on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $231 to groceries, $142 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 Montreal or Antwerp cheaper?
Antwerp is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Montreal 44.5 vs Antwerp 42.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Montreal worth in Antwerp?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Montreal equals ~$1,422/mo in Antwerp using COL adjustment.