City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Abu Dhabi vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Abu Dhabi
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Abu Dhabi.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Abu Dhabi | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $951 | $892 | +$59 |
| Groceries | $177 | $208 | $31 |
| Dining Out | $98 | $135 | $37 |
| Transportation | $50 | $34 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $81 | $98 | $17 |
| Other / Misc | $143 | $133 | +$10 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Abu Dhabi
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,304
per month
Only $1,304/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Abu Dhabi — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Abu Dhabi on $1,500/month?
Living in Abu Dhabi on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$951 to rent, $177 to groceries, $98 to dining.
Can I live in Lisbon on $1,500/month?
In Lisbon, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $892 rent, $208 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Abu Dhabi or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Abu Dhabi 50.4 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Abu Dhabi worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Abu Dhabi equals ~$1,304/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.