City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $892 | +$38 |
| Groceries | $168 | $208 | $40 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $135 | $16 |
| Transportation | $49 | $34 | +$15 |
| Utilities | $94 | $98 | $4 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $133 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,003
per month
Only $1,003/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Amsterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$930 to rent, $168 to groceries, $119 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 Amsterdam or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$1,003/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.