City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Antwerp — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $767 | +$65 |
| Groceries | $226 | $249 | $23 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $173 | $25 |
| Transportation | $25 | $35 | $10 |
| Utilities | $145 | $162 | $17 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $114 | +$10 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Antwerp equivalent
$1,302
per month
Only $1,302/mo in Antwerp matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 to groceries, $148 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 Rome or Antwerp cheaper?
Antwerp is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Antwerp 42.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Antwerp?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,302/mo in Antwerp using COL adjustment.