City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Paris vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Paris
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 69.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Paris.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Paris | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $894 | $839 | +$55 |
| Groceries | $207 | $217 | $10 |
| Dining Out | $122 | $146 | $24 |
| Transportation | $43 | $30 | +$13 |
| Utilities | $99 | $142 | $43 |
| Other / Misc | $135 | $126 | +$9 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Paris
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,185
per month
Only $1,185/mo in Brussels matches $1,500/mo in Paris — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Paris on $1,500/month?
Living in Paris on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$894 to rent, $207 to groceries, $122 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 Paris or Brussels cheaper?
Brussels is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Paris 69.5 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Paris worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Paris equals ~$1,185/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.