City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Rome vs Brussels — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo barely covers basics in Rome.
Brussels
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo barely covers basics in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,109 | $1,119 | $10 |
| Groceries | $301 | $290 | +$11 |
| Dining Out | $197 | $194 | +$3 |
| Transportation | $34 | $40 | $6 |
| Utilities | $193 | $189 | +$4 |
| Other / Misc | $166 | $168 | $2 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$2,000
per month
Brussels equivalent
$2,259
per month
You'd need $2,259/mo in Brussels to match $2,000/mo in Rome.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $2,000/month?
Living in Rome on $2,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,109 to rent, $301 to groceries, $197 to dining.
Can I live in Brussels on $2,000/month?
In Brussels, $2,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $1,119 rent, $290 groceries, $194 dining.
Is Rome or Brussels cheaper?
Rome is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Rome worth in Brussels?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$2,259/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.