City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Brasília — 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.
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $568 | +$264 |
| Groceries | $226 | $427 | $201 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $221 | $73 |
| Transportation | $25 | $88 | $63 |
| Utilities | $145 | $111 | +$34 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $85 | +$39 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Brasília equivalent
$552
per month
Only $552/mo in Brasília 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 Brasília on $1,500/month?
In Brasília, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $568 rent, $427 groceries, $221 dining.
Is Rome or Brasília cheaper?
Brasília is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Brasília 17.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Brasília?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$552/mo in Brasília using COL adjustment.