City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Brussels — 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.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $839 | $7 |
| Groceries | $226 | $217 | +$9 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $146 | +$2 |
| Transportation | $25 | $30 | $5 |
| Utilities | $145 | $142 | +$3 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $126 | $2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$1,694
per month
You'd need $1,694/mo in Brussels to match $1,500/mo in Rome.
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 Brussels on $1,500/month?
In Brussels, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $839 rent, $217 groceries, $146 dining.
Is Rome or Brussels cheaper?
Rome is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,694/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.